The Cleveland Cavaliers? Omri Casspi has signed with his former Israeli basketball team.

Casspi wrote Tuesday on his Facebook page that he has signed a contract with Maccabi Tel Aviv. He said the contract is effective in January, when it will be clear whether or not the National Basketball Association season will be cancelled due to a lockout.

?I am overjoyed to return home to the club of my youth. I am so excited to come home, to the best family and fans in the world,? Casspi wrote.

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Casspi was traded to the Cavs over the summer after two seasons with the Sacramento Kings; he has not yet played with the Cleveland team. He is the first Israeli to play in the NBA.

Casspi had been scheduled to be part of the Israeli national team for the fall EuroBasket tournament but injured his knee during practice and did not play with the team.

On Monday, the NBA players union rejected the owners? latest offer.

Jewish basketball player Jordan Farmar of the New Jersey Nets has been playing for Maccabi for several weeks.

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