Turkoglu Could Play Overseas

Shapecity · Oct 15, 2008

Orlando Magic small forward Hedo Turkoglu says that playing overseas is "a possibility" for him, but he has far more pressing matters at home than his contract status.

He's anticipating the arrival of an even bigger deal.

Turkoglu and his wife, Banu, found out that they are expecting a girl, the couple's first child, sometime in February or March.

"A girl. It's great," Turkoglu said today.

So there's a lot on Turk's agenda as he also faces the likelihood of becoming a free agent at season's end. He has a player's option, but can return for the sixth, and final, year on his contract.

With some well-funded teams overseas targeting NBA players, the league's first Turkish-born player was asked if he ever would entertain playing in Europe if he couldn't reach a deal stateside. He played four seasons in the Turkish Pro League.

"I'm from Europe. I've played in Europe . . . so it's just a possibility. It is. I can't lie," Turkoglu told the Sentinel. "But this is my ninth year in the league. I've adjusted here.

"If I have another great year, it will be really hard for me to leave United States and go back overseas. I came from there to here to accomplish something."

He did just that last season, earning the NBA's most improved player award and helping the Magic to their best finish in a dozen years.

Turkoglu could ask for a contract similar to the deal that Corey Maggette signed with the Golden State Warriors: five years, $50 million.

The Magic, who have signed Rashard Lewis, Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson to major deals, will have to get creative to afford Turkoglu at that price.

Magic General Manager Otis Smith believes the team can re-sign him, but Smith also will gauge the intentions of Turkoglu's camp before the trade deadline in February. If the Magic feel they can't get a deal done, they could trade Turkoglu perhaps for a power forward who can help their rebounding issues.

As for Turkoglu, he is trying to prepare for the season as the Magic (2-1) head into this morning's game in Charlotte, N.C., against the Bobcats.

He says he has to concentrate on his play, not his contract. While he is expected to opt out, a so-so season might force him to wait and return to honor the sixth year on his deal at $7.3 million.

He believes everything will work out as long as he remains focused.

"It will. If I don't play well . . . maybe we won't be talking about it (his option). Then maybe I go on my sixth year . . . to the last year of my deal," he said. "Maybe we can have an agreement with Orlando and I stay here. I'm just going to wait and see how I go, how the team goes.

"I'm being honest to you: I'm just playing basketball right now. I can't think about the money, the contract or going overseas."
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Source: HonoluluAdvisor

DynastYWarrioR6 · Oct 15, 2008

His wife's name is Banu?

um k

DLee7283 · Oct 21, 2008

He could go overseas but only if it is a longterm deal. I see an NBA team overpaying for him though.

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Turkoglu Could Play Overseas

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Turkoglu Could Play Overseas

Shapecity S2/JBB Teamster Staff Member Administrator

DynastYWarrioR6 JBB SmurfY

DLee7283 Bond, James Bond

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