Turkoglu opts out of Magic contract

MIAMI – Hedo Turkoglu’s run with the Orlando Magic appears to be over.

A day after the Magic acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets, Turkoglu’s agent said Friday that he sent a notice to Orlando earlier this week that his client will opt out of his contract to become a free agent. Agent Lon Babby said the Magic had made Turkoglu an initial offer that Orlando general manager Otis Smith described as a “jumping off point.”

But Carter’s acquisition signals the Magic are jumping in another direction.

Orlando’s payroll will likely dip into the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history, and Turkoglu is looking for a big payday after helping the Magic reach the NBA finals last season. He will be a free agent July 1.

“We will see what the market holds on July 1, but that market will surely be robust for Hedo,” Babby said.

Turkoglu’s decision was first reported by The Orlando Sentinel.

Orlando also received forward Ryan Anderson from the Nets, who acquired three players in return: point guard Rafer Alston; shooting guard Courtney Lee; and power forward Tony Battie. The Magic are hoping Carter, who has averaged 23.5 points over a 10-year pro career, will provide center Dwight Howard with a perimeter scorer who can create his own shot and finish at the end of games – something they lacked in losing the finals to the Los Angeles Lakers. (AP)