Guard Yotam Halperin is believed to be close to signing a deal with the Seattle SuperSonics, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post, which would make him the NBA's first Israeli player.

Halperin, who had signed with the Israeli team Maccabi Tel Aviv, played with Seattle during their summer league, much to the ire of the Israeli National Team, which was concerned about his level of fatigue.

His agent was expected to arrive in Israel with his contract Monday.

Friends close to Halperin have said recently that no deal was certain, either with the Sonics or Maccabi.

The Sonics chose Halperin with the 53rd pick in June's draft.