Former all-star Hedo Turkoglu’s days with the Orlando Magic appear to be over. The club has waived the small forward, for the purposes of releasing him.
Turkoglu has a similar contract to that of Cleveland Cavaliers center Andrew Bynum, where $6 million of the $12 million he is due for the season can be wiped off the Magic’s books if Turkoglu is cut before January 7th, 2014.
According to various on-line reports, the Orlando Magic had been trying to trade Turkoglu but could not find a trading partner for a former star stretch-four whose game has deserted him in recent years. Another team could take a chance on Turkoglu finding his game, but will likely try to do so when he becomes a free agent rather than giving him the $6 million he would be owed for the rest of the season if they claim him on waivers and put him on their active roster. This $6 million payment is also why there was such limited interest in Turkoglu on the trade market.
The 34-year-old Turkoglu has struggled with injuries recently playing just 11 games last season. He has not suited up for the Magic this season.
Over his 13-year NBA Career, Turkoglu has played for the San Antonio Spurs, Sacramento Kings, and Toronto Raptors in addition to his time in Orlando. He will best be remembered for his work in the Magic’s run to the 2009 NBA Finals.
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