Just over a month after being released by the Utah Jazz, big man Omer Yurtseven is still a free agent. However, according to NBA insider Marc Stein, there is continued interest in Yurtseven from teams across the league. Stein recently wrote that the New York Knicks have “played” the Turkish native. However, he also clarified that the team has decided not to sign him, likely indicating that a contract with the Knicks is not an option for Yurtseven (subscription required).

“The Knicks recently auditioned free agent big man Omer Yurtseven, among others, but have not decided to sign him. Panathinaikos of Greece has publicly expressed interest in bringing Yurtseven to the EuroLeague.”

Yurtseven played 48 games for the Jazz last season. In those games, he averaged 4.6 points and 4.3 rebounds, and he also shot 53.8% from the field. The 26-year-old played the first two seasons of his career with the Miami Heat.

New York Knicks have “auditioned” Omer Yurtseven

The Knicks’ big-man situation

This summer, the Knicks lost center Isaiah Hartenstein, who joined the Oklahoma City Thunder as a free agent. However, they guaranteed Jericho Sims’ contract and re-signed Precious Achiuwa. Both players can play center or forward along with returning All-Star Julius Randle. Currently, the Knicks’ starting center will likely be Mitchell Robinson, who has been with the team since 2018. The Knicks definitely don’t need Yurtseven on the roster. However, at 7’4″, he would have added great size to the team.

What’s next for Omer Yurtseven?

As Stein mentioned, playing in the EuroLeague is an option for Yurtseven. Recently, Panathinaikos coach Ergin Ataman spoke about wanting to bring Yurtseven into the team, but he also expressed concerns about “what impression that will leave on the court.”

“Getting a very important player like Omer Faruk and making this transfer would give us great power on paper,” Ataman told Ajanspor. “However, we have concerns about how this will affect us on the pitch. We are thinking about it, I mean he is on our radar.”

Ataman clarified that he believes the signing of Yurtseven could “disturb the balance of the team.” However, he praised Yurtseven’s talent and believes he could succeed in Europe.

“We cannot add an ordinary player. I am a little worried that the player we add will upset the balance of the team. Because we have a system. I am thinking about not making the transfer at the beginning of the season. Sarp Ataman (Ergin Ataman’s son) has a very good name in mind. We have been thinking about this player for two days. Omer Faruk Yurtseven has left the NBA and is talking to European teams. He has also been offered to us. He is a very good player and I like him. I think he will do very well in Europe.”

The last word on Omer Yurtseven

Yurtseven is a talented big man who could be a great asset to any team, NBA or overseas. With a lot of offseason left, it would not be a surprise to see the big man land on an NBA team at the start of next season.