Hedo Turkoglu Agrees with Trail Blazers

James Williamson by Columnist Written on July 03, 2009
ORLANDO, FL - APRIL 20:  Hedo Turkoglu #15 and Rashard Lewis #9 of the Orlando Magic celebrate after Turkoglu hit a shot and was fouled by Jason Kapono #24 of the Toronto Raptors in Game One of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals during the 2008 NBA Playoffs at the Amway Arena on April 20, 2008 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.  (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images) (Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images)

Hedo Turkoglu left the Orlando Magic and has signed with the Portland Trail Blazers.

According to the Sports Illustrated website, the 6'10" forward has agreed, at least verbally, to playing in Portland after losing the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers.

This will be a loss to the Orlando Magic because Turkoglu averaged 16.8 points and 5.3 rebounds per game last season.

Against the Lakers, he averaged 18 points a game.

It was said that he was looking for a deal that would pay him around $10 million per year in contrast to the $7.3 million guaranteed by the Magic if he had stayed with them for the final year of his contract.

Turkoglu will join All-Pro guard Brandon Roy and forward/center LaMarcus Aldridge as the third star player. The Blazers won 54 games last season and hope the addition of Turkoglu will advance them to a playoff berth in the upcoming future.

Turkoglu left the Magic right after they acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets.

Expect further news on Wednesday, when the free agency officially begins.

Vote Now! - Author Poll

Was Turkoglu smart to leave the Magic?

  • Are you kidding? His IQ has dropped 30 points
  • He needed to get outta there. Too many stars on one team
  • I'm just glad he's not in my team's division
vote to see results
Results - Author Poll

Was Turkoglu smart to leave the Magic?

  • Are you kidding? His IQ has dropped 30 points

    15.0%
  • He needed to get outta there. Too many stars on one team

    55.0%
  • I'm just glad he's not in my team's division

    30.0%
  • Total votes: 20
(0)
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written on July 03, 2009 Breaking News

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