Magic waive Hedo Turkoglu; Hawks, Lakers interested
Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY Sports 5:22 p.m. EST January 3, 2014
Orlando Magic cut forward Hedo Turkoglu, who has not been with team all season
Los Angeles Lakers, Atlanta Hawks showed interest in trading for him, but Magic didn't like offers
Orlando saves $6 million on contract by cutting him now, making it likely he will clear waivers
The Orlando Magic waived forward Hedo Turkoglu, who has been away from the team all season anyway, the team announced Friday.
If Turkoglu clears waivers, which is expected since it's unlikely a team wants to pick up the $6 million still owed on his contract, he will be free to sign with the team of his choice.
The Magic fielded calls from the Los Angeles Lakers and the Atlanta Hawks for Turkoglu, a person familiar with the team told USA TODAY Sports. The person requested anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the discussion.
The deal with the Lakers would have resulted in more salary long term, and the deal with the Hawks had no value, the person said. Neither options were palatable to the Magic.
The Magic front office didn't see Turkoglu as part of the rebuilding process. The veteran was in the final year of a five-year, $52.8 million deal. He was due to make $12 million this season but by waiving him before Jan. 7, only $6 million will be paid out by the Magic.
Turkoglu played in 11 games last season because of injuries at a 20-game suspension for performance-enhancing drug use.
