The Magic’s Hedo Turkoglu may be leaning towards opting out of his contract at the end of the 08-09 season.
If he chooses to remain under his current 6 year, $39 million contract he will earn about $7.3 million in the 09-10 season.
“If I’m coming out, I’m coming out for one reason — to secure myself, my family. Not wait for the NBA lockout and stuff. The only reason I’m making that decision — if I decided that — is not to worry about another year,” Turkoglu said.
“Listen, the market is going to be bad, anyway, this year or the next year. I’m just thinking about doing my best for this team and go from there.
“I just don’t want to go through this stuff again and have to worry about injuries and lockouts and other stuff … and just have a clear mind. Just knowing that I’m secure for another four or five years and just focus on my game.”
If Turkoglu leaves the Magic, that would presumably allow Rashard Lewis to move back to his more natural position (SF). The question then would be who would play PF if they don’t sign a PF in free agency, maybe Tony Battie, but he is injury prone and may not be able to play heavy minutes, or Marcin Gortat could be an option, but he could leave for Europe.
Another option is the could get a player through the draft, trade or Free Agency.
Or they could start French swingman Mickael Pietrus at SF and keep Lewis at PF.
Hedo has had a good career with the Magic by winning a Most Improved Player award and this season he’s averaged 16.8 ppg, 5 rebs and 5 ast.
Related posts:
- Hedo Turkoglu Opts Out of His Contract with the Orlando Magic
- Rasheed Wallace Chooses Celtics, Turkoglu Chooses Raptors
- Orlando Magic Won’t Bow Down to King James 49, Beat Cavs By One with Lewis
- Toronto Raptors Extend Andrea Bargnani’s Contract 5 Years, $50 Million
- Jazz Guard Kyle Korver Tells Jazz he Won’t Opt-Out of Contract
