Predicting where each Miami Heat free agent will play in 2023-24
By Dalton Sell
Omer Yurtseven – OKC Thunder
After playing some solid minutes during his rookie year in 2021-22, there were big expectations for Omer Yurtseven in year two. Yet, the big man was hit with the injury bug and missed most of the 2022-23 season, having appeared in just nine games. Now, the 25-year-old will hit restricted free agency, and it wouldn’t be surprising if he went to a team like the OKC Thunder.
When Yurtsteven was asked about his priorities in free agency, he made it clear that he wants to play wherever he goes. The Thunder will be looking for more size in the frontcourt this summer, and the 7-foot Yurtseven could be of great use. The 25-year-old would fit into OKC’s timeline very nicely, giving them a center that can develop alongside their other young pieces. Yurtseven wants playing time wherever he lands, and the Thunder could offer him a decent role, in short.
OKC will have plenty of cap space this summer, so they could offer Yurtseven a nice deal. While he is a restricted free agent, the Heat likely will not prioritize keeping the center and it’s unclear if they will offer him a qualifying offer. Yurtseven clearly wants a bigger role, and Miami has a slew of other free agents to worry about retaining.