Mar 25, 2021; San Antonio, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Amir Coffey (7) and center Daniel Oturu (10) warm up before the game against the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Ex-Gophers star Daniel Oturu reportedly signs deal with Israeli club

Originally posted on Minnesota Golden Gophers on SI
By Tony Liebert | Last updated Jul 6, 2025 11:34 AM ET

Former Gophers big man Daniel Oturu has agreed to a three-year contract worth more than $2 million per season with Israeli EuroLeague club Hapoel Tel Aviv, according to BasketNews Insider Donatas Urbonas.

NEWS: Former Gophers star big man Daniel Oturu (@oturu65) has agreed to a 3-year deal with more than $2 million per season with Israeli club Hapoel Tel Aviv, per @BasketNews_com

The contract is expected to make him one of the highest-paid centers in the EuroLeague at 25 years… pic.twitter.com/uTuYvqZIr2
— Tony Liebert (@TonyLiebert) July 6, 2025

Oturu has been playing in Turkey for the past two seasons. He averaged 14.1 points, 5.7 rebounds and 1.4 assists per game last season for Anadolu Efes Istanbul on 68.6% shooting from the field. He's still only 25 years old, so he immediately became an intriguing target on the free agent market his offseason.

Related: 5 things the Gophers need to do in order to return to the NCAA Tournament

Oturu's new deal is expected to make him one of the highest-paid centers in the EuroLeague, according to Urbonas. He'll join former BYU star Elijah Bryant as Hapoel Tel Aviv looks to make a push in Ligat HaAl and in the EuroLeague.