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Before waiving Hedo Türkoğlu on Friday, the Orlando Magic discussed possible trades with the Atlanta Hawks and the Los Angeles Lakers for the veteran forward, reports Jeff Zillgit of USA Today Sports, citing "a person familiar with the team." Neither trade materialized because Orlando would have had to commit to taking on salary from L.A., while Atlanta offered "no value," says Zillgit. If Türkoğlu clears waivers as expected, any team will be free to sign him.
The Magic cut ties with Türkoğlu because they did not foresee him being part of the team's future. By cutting ties with him Friday, Orlando saved itself $6 million, as the final $6 million of his contract would have become guaranteed had they not placed him on waivers by January 7th.
Türkoğlu's Magic tenure ends with him ranked among the franchise's all-time leader in several key statistical categories, including games played (sixth), minutes played (fourth), points (sixth), rebounds (fifth), assists (sixth), and steals (ninth). In eight seasons with Orlando, the Istanbul native averaged 14.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 3.9 assists per game.
