Magic want to keep Turkoglu at all cost

ORLANDO, Florida – Hedo Turkoglu emptied his locker, shook hands with teammates and walked out of the Orlando Magic’s practice facility on Tuesday. The Magic are optimistic it wasn’t the last time.

Chief operating officer Alex Martins said the team was prepared to go over the luxury tax for the first time in its history, perhaps giving the Magic the space they need to re-sign the soon-to-be free agent Turkoglu and remain a contender to return to the NBA finals.

“The luxury tax won’t be a hindrance,” Martins said.

Turkoglu, Orlando’s starting forward and a key component to its Eastern Conference title, reiterated Tuesday that he’s planning to opt out of the last year of his contract to become a free agent on July 1. The Turk would make about $7.3 million next season in the final year of a $36 million, six-year deal.

“Opting out doesn’t mean I’m going to leave,” he said. “I’m looking for the best opportunity for myself and my family. I hope everything will work out for both sides and I stay here because I became Turkoglu here. (AP)