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Report: Turkoglu has $3.5 million offer to play in Turkey

Orlando Magic v Atlanta Hawks - Game Three

ATLANTA, GA - APRIL 22: Hedo Turkoglu #15 of the Orlando Magic reacts after fouling Josh Smith #5 of the Atlanta Hawks during Game Three of the Eastern Conference Quarterfinals in the 2011 NBA Playoffs at Philips Arena on April 22, 2011 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

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As of right now, Hedo Turkoglu is a member of the Orlando Magic, he is under contract to them. The question is will he be one when training camp starts.

He’s not going to play much in Orlando — they are a rebuilding team playing their young guys and the 13-year NBA veteran is not part of that future (nor that helpful when he does play). Last season he only got in 11 games for the Magic and averaged 2.9 points a game on 26.4 percent shooting when he did play (he also served a 20-game suspension for testing positive for a PED).

Turkoglu is owed $12 million this season although he could be bought out for $6 million before training camp. The question for the Magic is simple: Is Turkoglu the potential trade deadline asset (teams might take on his salary now to reduce future costs) worth $6 million?

If Orlando does buy out Turkoglu he will have comfortable landing spot in his native Turkey, reports Turkish basketball writer Can Pelister.

https://twitter.com/canpelister/statuses/372336552447594498

Turkoglu has said he wants to stay in the NBA and try to reach 1,000 games played, which would mean pretty much two full seasons. Let’s be kind and call that unlikely. More likely if the Magic buy him out his NBA career ends.

Fenerbahce Ulker is one of Europe’s better franchises; the Istanbul side is a regular part of the continent-wide EuroLeague. Hedo would be a returning hero there. It might be the best outcome for all involved.