Cedi Osman, recently released by the San Antonio Spurs and now a free agent, is reportedly in advanced discussions with European basketball powerhouse Real Madrid. The Turkish forward, who has not yet secured the guaranteed contract he was seeking in the NBA, is seriously considering a return to Europe.
According to sources from Eurohoops, significant progress has been made in Osman’s negotiations with Real Madrid.
Spanish sports newspapers have picked up on the rumors, with Marca headlining “Madrid’s Real Option: Cedi Osman,” AS stating “Real Madrid: Cedi Osman is the First Choice,” and El Mundo Deportivo reporting “Real Madrid Pursues NBA Player Cedi Osman.” These reports emphasize the possibility of Osman returning to Europe after his contract with the NBA’s San Antonio Spurs ended.
Real Madrid, one of the most storied clubs in European basketball, has turned its attention to Osman following the departure of Guerschon Yabusele. Yabusele, who left for the NBA after a strong performance, has joined the Philadelphia 76ers, leaving a gap in Madrid’s roster as the team prepares for the 2024-25 season.
Madrid’s summer has been tumultuous, with four new signings, six departures, and five contract renewals. Yabusele’s unexpected decision to return to the NBA caught the club off guard, prompting a swift reshuffling of their transfer targets.
While Davis Bertans was initially at the top of Madrid’s list, the Latvian forward decided to stay in the NBA. Another potential target, Evan Fournier, has reportedly shifted his attention to Greece, specifically Olympiacos.
In addition to Osman, Madrid is also considering Semi Ojeleye as a potential signing. Ojeleye, currently playing for Valencia Basket, recently signed a new two-year contract with the Spanish club. Despite this, he remains a strong candidate for Madrid, particularly if Osman’s transfer becomes complicated due to interest from Anadolu Efes, his former club in Türkiye.
Osman, who was born in Ohrid, North Macedonia, to Turkish and Bosnian parents, began his basketball career in Türkiye before gaining Turkish citizenship and joining the national team. After spending six seasons with the Cleveland Cavaliers, including playing alongside LeBron James, Osman was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in a three-team deal in the summer of 2023. However, the Spurs waived him in July, making him a free agent.
