Hedo: I'm Likely Opting Out

Shapecity · Sep 28, 2008

Small forward Hedo Turkoglu was the last Magic player to return to Orlando and reunite with teammates after the offseason, arriving Monday night from his native Turkey.

Turk hopes this won't be his last summer with the town and the team he adores.

He said Tuesday that he likely will opt out of his contract after the season to become a free agent, signaling the end of his six-year, $39-million deal with the Magic.

He could play out his final season in 2009-10 at $7.3 million. But he seemingly has gained enough leverage and equity after earning the NBA's most improved player award last season. He turns 30 next March, meaning this is likely his last shot at a lucrative long-term contract.
"It does make sense (to opt out), actually," Turkoglu said, adding with a laugh, "I'd be one year younger.

"I would love to stay in Orlando . . . but this is a business. My business is to play my game. If you don't play your game, you can't get a deal anywhere. Hopefully, Orlando will agree and we will sign, but we'll wait and see. It's hard to tell if I'm staying or leaving."

Magic General Manager Otis Smith said the club "would like to keep Turk" and expects to have several conversations before the February trade deadline with Lon Babby, Turkoglu's agent.

"It's a conversation we have to have as opposed to allowing him to become free," Smith said. "We should have a pretty good idea."

The Magic, who open training camp next Tuesday at RDV Sportsplex, want to get an idea what it will take to re-sign him.

Turkoglu could ask for a contract similar to small forward Corey Maggette's. Maggette signed a free-agent contract worth a reported $50 million for five years this summer with Golden State.

The Magic already have three hefty contracts in place: Rashard Lewis ($116 million over six years), Dwight Howard ($85 million over five years) and Jameer Nelson (about $40 million over five years.)

Asked if the Magic could afford Turkoglu at an average of $10 million a season -- given the punitive luxury tax -- Smith said, "Anything is doable if you want to remain competitive. It's a matter of how creative we can get as it relates to his contract. I'm not sure how the numbers will come in."

If it appears Turkoglu and the Magic can't agree, the Magic could trade him instead of possibly losing him without compensation.

Turkoglu said he realizes he could be dealt, adding, "It's not on my hands. Orlando can trade me. It's a business."

Smith said he feels confident in retaining Turk, in part, because of Babby, saying, "Lon's not unreasonable." And also because Turk has blossomed as a player since arriving in Orlando, especially in Stan Van Gundy's pop-a-shot offense.

"If he's going to decide to opt out . . . he's had his best year with me. And there's a reason for that," Smith said. "We fit what Turk does, and we allow him certain freedoms. But like Keyon Dooling, he's going to have to do what's in his best interest."

The Magic will take 16 players into camp, adding small forward Jeremy Richardson and power forward-center Dwayne Jones to the roster. They are both 25. Jones finished last season with the Cleveland Cavs. Richardson played with the Atlanta Hawks and the Fort Wayne Mad Ants of the NBA's D-League
Click to expand...

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Log in or Sign up

Hedo: I'm Likely Opting Out

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

Share This Page

Log in or Sign up

Hedo: I'm Likely Opting Out

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

Share This Page

Useful Searches