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Magic Plan on Bringing Back Hedo, More NBA Free Agency Rumors
June 13, 2009
The World-Famous LayupDrill Rumor Mill: June 13, 2009
As the Magic face elimination in the NBA Finals this Sunday, the future of the team will be at the fore of the minds of fans and management alike.
NBA Fanhouse reports Magic President Bob Vander plans on retaining forward Hedo Turkoglu, even if it means paying the luxury tax. Turkoglu, who is expected to generate some offers from other teams in free agency this summer, is expected to command an annual salary in the $10-12 million range.
But on the other hand, one player that could (surprisingly enough) be available is Bobcats forward/center Emeka Okafor. The Dallas Morning News reports that Okafor, who still has five years and over $60 million left on his current deal, could be offered up in a trade for the right package. Teams that might express interest in the big man include the Mavericks and Thunder. Charlotte may opt to draft a cheaper alternative at the center position via the draft; both Austin Daye and B.J. Mullens have been on their radar.
A team besides Dallas and OKC looking for help at the center position is the New York Knicks. Rumors regarding the future of David Lee have swirled online recently, as the former Gator is expected to command a higher asking price than the team is willing to pay right now. The Knicks may look at Magic reserve center Marcin Gortat in free agency, but don’t rule out the potential of a trade with the Clippers involving former Knick Marcus Camby. Camby is in the last year of his contract and also would fit well in Mike D’Antoni’s system.
