German athletes Hartenstein and Palacios take salary cuts

German NBA center Isaiah Hartenstein, 28, voluntarily reduced his salary with the Oklahoma City Thunder to remain with the title‑contending team, even though his contract runs to 2029 and could be worth up to $75 million. He said staying with the Thunder and playing for Germany in upcoming matches mattered more than the money.

Bayer Leverkusen midfielder Exequiel Palacios, 27, will earn about 25% less after a clause that ties a portion of his pay to Champions League qualification. Because the club will miss the Champions League and start the season in the Europa League, his annual earnings drop by roughly €1.75 million. Palacios, a World Cup player for Argentina, has expressed a desire to move to a top‑level club, preferably in the Premier League.