Raptors snatch Turkoglu from Trail Blazers

TORONTO – The Toronto Raptors confirmed their acquisition of Turkish forward Hedo Turkoglu, perhaps the most significant free agent addition in the team’s history.

The 2.09-meter (6-foot-10) Turkoglu was one of the most coveted free agents available, coming off a season in which he helped the Orlando Magic reach the NBA finals.

The nine-year NBA veteran appeared poised to sign with the Portland Trail Blazers last Friday before Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo swooped in and nabbed him.

Turkoglu’s agent Lon Babby said the player and his wife Banu were intrigued by Toronto’s ethnic diversity.

Turkoglu opted out of his contract in Orlando when the team acquired Vince Carter from New Jersey. Turkoglu was due $7.3 million next season, the final year of a $36-million, six-year deal. (AP)