By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Panathinaikos Aktor has exercised an opt-out clause in Omer Yurtseven’s contract, parting ways with the Turkish center on Saturday. This roster move follows previous indications from head coach Ergin Ataman, who had hinted at potential frontcourt adjustments to accommodate the return of Mathias Lessort. With 30-year-old Lessort reintegrated into the rotation, 27-year-old Yurtseven was deemed surplus to the team’s immediate tactical requirements.
During the 2025-26 EuroLeague Regular Season, Yurtseven contributed averages of 6.3 points, 3.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks per game across 19 appearances. While his role fluctuated, including six starts, he managed to increase his career total to 61 games in Europe’s premier competition. His tenure in Athens was marked by domestic success, as he helped the Greens secure back-to-back Greek Cup titles in 2025 and 2026, providing reliable interior depth during his two seasons with the club.
Yurtseven’s journey to the top of European basketball began as a youth product of Fenerbahce before he moved to the United States for a standout collegiate career. After productive stints with North Carolina State and Georgetown, he successfully transitioned to the professional ranks in the NBA. Despite going undrafted in 2020, he defied the odds to make 130 league appearances over three seasons, playing for both the Miami Heat and the Utah Jazz between 2021 and 2024.
Thank you Omer Yurtseven! Wishing you all the best on your next chapter!#WeTheGreens #paobcaktor pic.twitter.com/NXf54TP2Ou
— Panathinaikos BC (@Paobcgr) February 28, 2026
The timing of his release leaves the skilled center in a challenging position regarding his immediate playing future. Because the registration deadlines for both the EuroLeague and the BKT EuroCup have recently expired, Yurtseven is ineligible to join any team competing in those tournaments for the remainder of the current season. This restriction significantly narrows his options in the European market, likely forcing him to look toward domestic-only leagues or alternative global opportunities.