For awhile Friday, it sounded like Hedo Turkoglu was trying to become an NBA double dipper, playing for two different teams at the same time. Or like one of those traveling salesmen who quietly kept different wives in different cities.And maybe he thought since the teams -- Portland and Toronto -- are in different countries, he might be able to slip by. You could just imagine that sly smile of his as he nodded yes to both teams.
Unfortunately, it doesn't work like that. Either Turkoglu got cold feet or several news organizations got it wrong.
Anyway, Turkoglu wasn't available Friday night to comment on the situation, and agent Lon Babby didn't immediately return an e-mail to straighten out the mess.
Turkoglu, the highly-sought-after free agent from Orlando, was reported by ESPN to have reached an agreement with the Trail Blazers Friday afternoon. Despite the fact several outlets confirmed the news, the National Post in Canada reported a few hours later that Turkoglu was close to an agreement with the Toronto Raptors.
It looks like Turkoglu, who flew to Portland on Thursday and spent Friday there, will be playing next season for either Portland or Toronto. Turkoglu has been looking for a five-year contract worth an estimated $50 million. The Magic, who traded for Vince Carter last week, decided they couldn't afford to re-sign him and never made him an offer close to the other two teams.
According to one news source, the Raptors can offer him $6 million more than the Trail Blazers if they first renounce the rights to Shawn Marion, Anthony Parker and Carlos Delfino.
Neither Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard nor Babby ever confirmed that an agreement had been reached, according to the Oregonian newspaper. No contract can be signed until Wednesday.
Comments (Page 1 of 1)
You cant play with 2 teams at the same time what if portland and toronto vs. each other what side is he gonna be huh! And pluse how is he gonna make the games if they are very far away from eachother so ider toronto or portland choose turgoglu or you can choose by the bigger salary i would
Really man?
Like, really?
You really sat down, typed that, and clicked add comment?
I really hope you're, at most, ten years old.
Really? But what if he plays half the game for the raptors and the other half for the trail blazers? i think it could work out... plus he would have the advantage of playing more basketball than the rest. instead of 82 games it would be 164 games! and he would get 2 salaries. i dont know i would do it if i were him...
~_*
YO SKO, PLEASE ATTEND SUMMER SCHOOL. IT'S A MUST. PLEASE, DO IT FOR THOSE OF US WHO CAN READ. PAINFUL, JUST PAINFUL.
He should have signed with the Pistons . He would have had an instant impact at the point forward position with Detroit . I don't see him doing much with Toronto or Portland . Great player !
The illiterate idiots here and elsewhere are going to be surprised how good he will be with the Raptors...
..and surprise over "news" organizations getting something wrong?? Really?
I'm shocked when the dopes who cover sports rumors get anything right.
Hedo takes the bad with the good: he will miss out on playoff money for the next five years, but on the other hand he gets to enjoy all the lottery draft parties and excitement!
PS: Chris Bosh will be history in a year, Hedo. And don't forget to dress warm.
Turkoglu is just doing what's best for him. Check out this funny satire article about the Turkoglu mess.
http://realfakesports.blogspot.com/2009/07/hedo-turkoglu-demands-trade-out-of.html