NBA Free Agent Destinations: Hedo Turkoglu

Hedo Turkoglu was arguably the piece that held the Orlando Magic together for much of the playoffs, and like many of the other Orlando players, he finally ran out of gas.

Turkoglu exhibited his athleticism, ball skills, driving, and shooting on a large stage for all the world to see. He proved to be a clutch performer, and helped the offense move fluidly, while manning the point often.

Without Tukoglu, the late-season loss of point guard Jameer Nelson would have been near-catastrophic, and their run to the NBA Finals probably wouldn't have happened.

The interesting thing about Turkoglu is that he's a point-forward, which increases his effectiveness when he has the ball in his hands. He has an uncanny ability to know the perfect time to drive, create for his teammates, or create for himself.

There will undoubtedly be many suitors vying for Turkoglu's range and versatility when he becomes a free agent in the next two weeks.

Turkoglu has three obvious choices: He can get money and stay in Orlando to compete for a championship, sign with the most championship-ready team, or simply sign for the biggest contract.

Turkoglu will be getting paid no matter where he goes, so the odds are he'll try to remain with a competitive organization.

The following are ten teams that make the most sense:

Phoenix Suns

Phoenix likes to play with smaller, more athletic lineups, so Turkoglu's play-making and athleticism would fit in nicely.

Since the future of Steve Nash is still wildly up in the air, Turkoglu could find a spot at small forward, with Jason Richardson moving to shooting guard, and Leandro Barbosa possibly replacing a departed Nash at the point.

This would be an ideal fit about three years ago in Phoenix's run-and-gun offense. However, Turkoglu would probably like to be on a team where he can have the ball in his hands a good deal of the time.

In Phoenix, at least with Nash around, he'd be primarily a spot-up shooter, with minimal chances to create for himself and others.

Toronto Raptors

With Shawn Marion undoubtedly bolting, the Raptors will be on the look-out for an upgrade at small forward.

Turkoglu would give the Raptors the outside shooting they no longer have after parting with Jason Kapono, while giving them an extra guy outside of Jose Calderon that can take care of the ball and make things happen on offense.

Turkoglu could be the final piece of a serious playoff contending team in Canada. I'll bet you never thought you'd hear that outside of the NHL.

San Antonio Spurs

While the entire club is collectively aging, Tony Parker is still very young, and Tim Duncan still has some miles on him.

Turkoglu could return to San Antonio, where he played one season in 2003, and help form a formidable offensive lineup, along with Duncan, Parker, and Manu Ginobli.

The 2009 playoffs displayed Turkoglu's solid defense and overall toughness, which are two qualities San Antonio looks for in it's players. Turkoglu now has Finals experience, which brings him that much closer to signing with a team that is championship-ready, and will probably be willing to pay him.

L.A. Lakers

It sounds crazy, but with Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom becoming free agents, the Lakers could simply opt for another versatility and game-breaking player in Turkoglu, especially after seeing his abilities up close in the Finals.

It'd be a bit of a betrayal move on Turk's part, and it's unlikely that he'd do it. However, if he wants to win, going to Los Angeles and helping Kobe Bryant form one of the most explosive offensive units in the league would be a good start.

The Lakers seem to love Ariza's passion, defense, and overall potential, though, and if they can still get him at a relatively cheap price, they'll let someone else take the 30-year old Turkoglu.

Dallas Mavericks

If Jason Kidd stays, Turkoglu could come in and replace Atoine Wright and switch spots with Josh Howard. This would give the Mavericks a huge boost on both ends of the floor, while allowing Antoine Wright to come off the bench with Jason Terry, furthering their depth.

If Kidd leaves for somewhere else, though, Turkoglu may not see Dallas as a team being one key player away from making a serious run.

Cleveland Cavaliers

While everyone is talking about the Cavs trading for Shaq (which gives me mixed emotions), there seems to be little buzz about the possibility of Turkoglu landing in Cleveland.

Considering LeBron James is the only dangerous man with the ball in his hands, it's imperative to Cleveland's future success to get another guard/forward who can create for himself and others.

Allowing James to run free as much as possible is the best way to open up the offense, and Turkoglu is the best option on the market to attempt to do that.

Adding Shaq and Turkoglu would instantly make Cleveland the favorites to represent the Eastern Conference in next year's NBA Finals.

Boston Celtics

A signing with Boston will completely hinge on which direction the Celtics go in the draft, and whether they're willing to part ways with the aging Ray Allen, or not.

Boston was supposed to be a team built for an immediate run at several titles, and while they already got one out of the way, they're starting to show their age.

Turkoglu isn't young, but at 30, still has three to five good years left in him. The same cannot be said for Boston's "Three Party."

If Ray Allen is discarded for draft picks or other players, that could leave the team open to adding a winner like Turkoglu who can make things happen with the ball in his hands.

Atlanta Hawks

If it's money he's after, Turkoglu could find his way to Atlanta.

Recent reports have forward Josh Smith wanting out of town, which frees up an extra spot, while the shooting guard spot is arguably still open.

Turkoglu would more than likely wait to see if Atlanta beefs up their team a bit more, but if he wants money and to be certain he'd have a prominent tole, Atlanta would be a solid fit.

With two straight playoff appearances and solid young talent, he would also know the team has the pieces to get back to the playoffs.

Houston Rockets

With Ron Artest likely leaving Houston, Turkoglu could find himself paired up with a healthy Tracy McGrady, while being backed by one of the more physical front-courts in the league.

If Aaron Brooks continues to be the real deal, the addition of Turkoglu could add the offensive spice the Rockets need to get past the Lakers the next time they have them trapped in a game seven.

Sacramento Kings

If the money is right, Turkoglu could at least ponder the idea of returning to his old stomping grounds.

However, Vlade Divac, Mike Bibby, and Chris Webber are gone, and the Kings are now one of the laughingstocks of the league.

If Turkoglu came back to California, it'd be for money and to feel at home again.

Ultimately, I don't see Turkoglu leaving. He's got a good thing going in Orlando, and with another offseason of getting everything in order, Orlando could return as the East's team to beat.

With two solid point guards, elevated game's in Courtney Lee, Mickael Pietrus, and J.J Redick, Turkoglu would be backed by solid guard play, and a team that was a few mental errors from competing at a high level with the champion Lakers.

At the same time, Turkoglu is a dynamic weapon that could boost any team's chances for a shot at a title. Of the ten teams listed, the Rockets, Spurs, and Cavaliers make the most sense for both sides.

And now we wait.