ANKARA
The Orlando Magic have waived forward Hedo Turkoglu, General Manager Rob Hennigan announced on Friday.
In a statement released by the club's official website, 34-year-old Turkoglu was released and will be paid the half of his annual salary of $12 million.
Turkoglu shared his views from Twitter, saying he was thankful for the Magic fans and Orlando would always remain as his second home.
Turkoglu has appeared in 897 regular season games during his NBA career with Sacramento, San Antonio, Orlando, Toronto and Phoenix, averaging 11.9 ppg., 4.2 rpg. and 3.1 apg. in 28.5 minpg., while shooting .381 (1,164-3,057) from three-point range. He has also appeared in 93 career playoff outings, averaging 11.1 ppg., 4.3 rpg. and 3.0 apg. in 31.1 minpg.
Turkoglu played in 497 regular season games with Orlando from 2004-09 and 2010-13, averaging 14.5 ppg., 4.5 rpg. and 3.9 apg. in 32.7 minpg. He also appeared in 49 playoff games with the Magic, averaging 14.4 ppg., 4.5 rpg. and 4.5 apg. in 38.0 minpg. Turkoglu earned the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award in 2007-08 and helped Orlando reach the 2009 NBA Finals.
While Turkoglu and the Magic agreed over the summer that he didn’t fit into the team’s youth movement and he didn’t join the squad for training camp, the Magic kept him on the roster hoping to use his expiring contract as a piece in a potential trade.
englishnews@aa.com.tr
