The agent for Hedo Turkoglu told the Sentinel on Monday that the Orlando Magic small forward will...

The agent for Hedo Turkoglu told the Sentinel on Monday that the Orlando Magic small forward will opt out of his contract and become a free agent in two weeks.

"It would make sense for him to opt out," Lon Babby, Turkoglu's agent said by phone. "I can't imagine a scenario in which he would not."

Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel

.. the news shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. This was expected.

9 months ago erivera7 55 comments 0 recs |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

You're right, it's not a surprise

But still… :(

If he leaves the Magic, I hope he at least goes to a team I like.

"Oh, get a job? Just get a job? Why don't I strap on my job helmet, and squeeze down into a job cannon and fire off into job land, where jobs grow on jobbies!"

by Marie on Jun 15, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm more than confident Hedo will stay.

.. this is just part of the process. Nothing new.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

: O

by fwedo on Jun 15, 2009 11:36 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Do we even have a chance?

I don’t think so. Any ideas for alternatives?

"No matter where you go, you are what you are playa"-Jay Z

by Wmillion on Jun 15, 2009 12:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

A chance to sign him?

Yes, Otis already came out and said they would go into the lux to do so.

by bandrewg08 on Jun 15, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't believe we have a GOOD chance

sure, he have A chance, but a good one? Not likely. A small or mid market team will overpay for him in my opinion. He’s got to be looking at his forward counterpart Rashard and saying, “this dude gets paid 118 million, and I’m coming off a 36 million dollar deal, is he really 82 million dollars better than me?”

I think Hedo has got to be expecting at least 6 years 45 million, or 5 years 40 million, I see him worth about 7-8 million per, it’s just how many years will a team be willing to add to a 30 year old. A 30 year old, who many will say and rightfully so, he’s JUST coming into his prime.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 1:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

There's not many teams that can "overpay" him.

.. even then, it doesn’t matter. The fact the Magic will dip into the luxury tax means that it’s highly unlikely that the team will get outbid. Orlando will have the necessary funds to match offers.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They'll have the funds to match

but after the Rashard blunder and the heat Otis is still taking to this day, I don’t seem them overpaying to match an overpaid offer from another club, just don’t see it happening.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, that Rashard blunder helped take 'em to the NBA Finals.

Otis doesn’t care about netting criticism. He’ll do what he feels is right.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:38 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No doubt Rashard helped bring them to the finals.

It doesn’t mean the monetary aspect of the contract was right, in fact, you’ll be hard pressed to find any analyst who will say he’s worth 118 million.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm not saying he is.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Uh, yeah.

.. the Magic have a chance.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You can imagine what the interest in him will be. HUGE.

The Surfdog

by Surfdog on Jun 15, 2009 1:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Of course his agent would want him to opt out.

Given the commission he would receive based on those $$$$$$$$.

The Surfdog

by Surfdog on Jun 15, 2009 1:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Hedo opting out was to be expected.

.. the next step is the contract talks.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Lol, we knew it was expected, why do you keep repeating that?

None of us our surprised, but it’s disappointing.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How's it disappointing?

Opting out is the logical move.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

For Hedo.

Not for the Magic, if there wasn’t great interest in him, sure we’d be able to sign him long term should he opt-out, but given the circumstances, him opting out doesn’t necessarily work to our favor.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well, no.

.. but things will work themselves out. I’m not too worried about the situation, yet.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I just don't understand why we didn't extend him when he wanted us to last year.

This could all be a moot point by now, but the front-office had to play hard ball, now the ball is in Hedo’s court.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly.

The Surfdog

by Surfdog on Jun 15, 2009 8:05 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Can't give you an explanation there.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 8:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Look at the list below...

a case can be made that he’s just as valuable to his team than any other free agent on that list. Turk will get paid among the top-tier of those FAs.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 1:58 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

.. he'll get paid.

Hedo deserves it.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

A look at the 2009 Free Agent Class

-Ben Gordon
-Mike Bibby
-Jason Kidd
-Chris Andersen
-Rasheed Wallace
-Allen Iverson
-Ron Artest
-Lamar Odom
-Trevor Ariza
-Andre Miller
-Shawn Marion
-Calros Boozer (player option, likely to opt-out)
-Hedo Turkoglu

Man, if we did lose Turk, it’d be nice to sign one of:

Artest, Odom, Ariza (they won’t do it) Boozer or Andersen.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 1:57 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Kirk Hinrich isn't a free agent this summer?

"Oh, get a job? Just get a job? Why don't I strap on my job helmet, and squeeze down into a job cannon and fire off into job land, where jobs grow on jobbies!"

by Marie on Jun 15, 2009 1:59 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No, and he's signed through 2010 as well.

Here’s the complete list, I just noted the prominent names.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?page=freeagents-09-10

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Damn it, he isn't

Thanks for the link :)

"Oh, get a job? Just get a job? Why don't I strap on my job helmet, and squeeze down into a job cannon and fire off into job land, where jobs grow on jobbies!"

by Marie on Jun 15, 2009 2:17 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I think Artest, Odom, Boozer will be out of our price range.

However, if we can sign Andersen to a respectable contract, move Shard back to the 3, we’re good to go with the Lee/Pietrus combo, we’ll be looking pretty good. We will need for Shard + The SG tandem to pick up their PPG totals to offset the loss of Hedo’s production.

I think it’s time the J.J. experiment is brought to an end, he may have created some value with some flashes he displayed in the post season. With our confidence in Lee and Pietrus’ post season emergence, there really is not a spot for him on this roster anymore. Get what you can Otis and move on.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How weird is it that Redick has turned out to be a better passer than shooter?

Maybe he was watching Jason Kidd’s Better Basketball DVD instead of his own :)

"Oh, get a job? Just get a job? Why don't I strap on my job helmet, and squeeze down into a job cannon and fire off into job land, where jobs grow on jobbies!"

by Marie on Jun 15, 2009 2:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

No joke,

him and Marcin work really well together.

by fwedo on Jun 15, 2009 3:16 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

They're racist. That's why.

Check out some of my photos: My Flickr Account
LifeOfAGiant.com - My photo-life-blog is coming soon
Follow me on Twitter

by big aaron on Jun 15, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't see why everyone is worried.

.. Hedo opting out is part of the gameplan.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:19 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'd be much more comfortable with him using his player option.

I wouldn’t say it’s part of the “game plan,” part of who’s game plan exactly? Team’s trying to sign him? I don’t think you realize how big the market is going to be for him, we’re not going to be throwing around cash with the best of them.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

We've known Hedo was going to opt out since last year.

.. seriously, this isn’t breaking news. This was a formality.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Again, I'm not disputing that.

What I’m saying is it’d be more beneficial for the Magic if he were to pick up his player option, instead of being forced to try to sign him with the rest of the league. You should do your next interview with Otis and ask him whether he prefers Hedo picks up his player option or opts-out.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'll be in town on Friday.

.. I’ll try to see if I can speak with Otis or someone in the organization about the situation.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:39 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm sure Otis prefer that he picked up the option

No doubt about that. It would obviously save us money and take care of our #1 priority this season. Hedo is just doing what we all would do. Try to get a raise.

by bandrewg08 on Jun 15, 2009 2:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep.

It would essentially give us another year with him and just push back trying to resign him long term until the class of 2010 instead of this summer. Given how loaded ’10 is going to be, we would be able to resign Hedo to a more reasonable contract in 2010. That said, Hedo knows this and is doing what he should do, trying to utilize the class of 2009 to his advantage in order to reap greater benefits. $$$

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

On the PG front

I think we need to press Rafer for a serious answer as to whether he’s willing to be a reserve next year. I’ve got a feeling he’s going to want out instead of backing up ‘Meer. With AJ holding a player option, AJ will be able to opt-out if Skip is going to stay. If Skip wants to leave, AJ would pick up that player option. However, if AJ opts out, before we get an answer from Skip, we might be looking at a dicey situation. If all else fails, I’d go after Anthony Parker to be our reserve for the future.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Rafer should be traded while his value is still somewhat high

If Otis can somehow get a pick or a serviceable big out of him he should do it. We’re gonna need more rebounding and size up front to back up Dwight with Marcin most likely leaving.

AJ will be fine as the backup again, but we should definitely look into getting a 3rd PG for some competition.

As for Anthony Parker? I’m pretty sure he’s a 2-guard.

by bandrewg08 on Jun 15, 2009 2:29 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Meant to be a reply to DSK's ^^^

My bad

by bandrewg08 on Jun 15, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You're right, my b.

I remember him filling in for Calderon and doing a pretty nice job, ah well.

"Shoot first, ask questions last" Rafer Alston

by DieSlowKeyshawn on Jun 15, 2009 2:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

At the very least, if it came down to it, we could be able to trade Rafer for a draft pick

Not that this draft is anything great, but the cap relief would be nice if Rafer’s contract is off the books. However, I really appreciate what Rafer did for us this season, so I would hope Otis at least trades him to a playoff quality team in need of a starting point guard.

Even though the Hippopotamus lacks a stinger for a tail, a truly wise man would rather be sat on by a bee. ~ Banacek

by funny80sguy on Jun 15, 2009 2:34 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, we wouldn't have made it this far without him

Great job by Rafer and Otis for making the deal.

I would love to keep him as the back-up and honestly don’t think he would have a problem with it. But with his contract around 6 mil and in its expiring year, he becomes a good trading piece. Plus, AJ is still a solid backup, making him expendable.

by bandrewg08 on Jun 15, 2009 2:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Rafer.

.. but I’ve been saying numerous times that he should be traded. Nothing personal. Strictly business. The Magic need to relieve themselves of some cap room, whenever possible.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 2:43 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

If he is moved and we clear up space, is it possible we can re-sign Gortat?

Or would the move be more toward signing Turk?

I know Otis said he would go lux to get Turk back, but would he do the same for Gortat?

by bandrewg08 on Jun 15, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good questions.

If Rafer was traded, Hedo Turkgolu could be re-signed without the team dipping into the luxury tax. Orlando has indicated it would pay the tax to re-sign Turk .. I highly doubt the team would reciprocate that “honor” on Gortat. That’s not an indictment on Marcin.

.. but we both know that Turkoglu is more valuable than Gortat.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Definitely

I guess my question would be is Otis only willing to pay the tax for Turk? Or would he do it for other free agents, assuming Turk doesn’t come back?

by bandrewg08 on Jun 15, 2009 5:20 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't know.

.. I would lean on the organization paying the tax only for Turk.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 6:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Makes sense,Turk being so unique. Let's hope he'll stay with us.

by Dzogi on Jun 16, 2009 10:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let's hope, indeed.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 16, 2009 3:56 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Id love to keep gortat.. However, I really think he could be a starter for another team.. Or, they can work on the two of them working together to really dominate the glass.. I know gotat has more post moves than howard, and he has a face-up jumper. Gortat is a heavily overlooked player.. Hes not overlooked when he is in there on the national stage – every time he comes in he contributes in some way – blocks, rebounds, great backdoor cuts for a few easy points.

by i2ambler on Jun 15, 2009 3:21 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, having Gortat around would be nice.

But it’s best for Marcin to leave and play elsewhere.

I'm the other guy at Third Quarter Collapse, with a Twitter account.

"Never hate your enemies. It affects your judgement." - Michael Corleone

by erivera7 on Jun 15, 2009 3:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

KEEP Gortat, at all cost

Why is Battie not part of this conversation? He’s over 30 and truth be told, his skills are NOt really helpful to the Magics game; Gortat’s IS, PLUS he’s only 24!

I know it’s not that great for Gortat to play second fiddle to Howard, but this is temporary. WHEN he develops a good offensive touch, we WILL be able to play the TWIN TOWER option. Plus; he gets a chance to play in a Championship contending team… for the duration! Gortat IS the answer to the power forward dilema.

And, just for arguments sake; let’s say we lose Gortat… WHO is going to back Howard, who is foul-prone? Battie? Come on!

If we need to clear cap space, trade Battie, Alston, Leu. We don’t need ANY of these three and a trade/sale WOULD clear more than enough space to keep Gortat AND Turk.

The development of BOTH Gortat AND Lee will bring the Magic to the next level to a series of Championships. THAT’S a fact. We need to make sure this is so.

by manny55 on Jun 15, 2009 6:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs