David DeJulius Signs with Besiktas Amid Legal Dispute with Murcia Basketball Club

David DeJulius, former Maccabi Tel Aviv player, officially signed with Turkish EuroLeague team Besiktas on August 1, 2026, following a standout season with Spanish club Murcia. However, Murcia immediately contested the move, stating they never released DeJulius and that his contract was extended through the 2027-28 season in March. The Spanish club asserted that DeJulius’s transfer to Besiktas was unauthorized and vowed to protect its rights through all available legal channels, including filing complaints with FIBA and pursuing court action against involved parties.

DeJulius had led Murcia to an exceptional season in the Spanish league, earning a spot on the league’s All-Star team with averages of 17.8 points and 4.4 assists per game. Despite his desire to advance his career by moving to the EuroLeague, Murcia opposed the transfer due to the existing contract. Spanish journalist Gerard Sola highlighted the situation as a major conflict, emphasizing that without an agreement, DeJulius would be ineligible to play for Besiktas and the dispute would likely end up in court.

The case underscores the complexities of player contracts and transfers in European basketball, especially when a player seeks to move before contract expiration. The resolution will depend on negotiations or legal rulings regarding DeJulius’s contractual obligations and rights under FIBA regulations.