If there is one thing that many learned from this season’s NBA Playoffs, it is that Orlando Magic small forward Hedo Turkoglu is a great basketball player. Hedo and his agent Lon Babby have realized this and are using it to their advantage. Turkoglu opted out of his final year with the Magic and has decided, in turn, to test the market. Babby says the market for his client appears to be “robust.”
Turkoglu would be scheduled to make $7.3 million next season if he had stayed in Orlando under the terms of his contract. Personally, I think this is a smart move on his part for a couple of reasons. For one, I am a firm believer in getting out while on top. There are many unknowns in Hedo’s case if he were to return to Orlando for his final contract year. A repeat performance (or better) may not occur, and if it doesn’t, it will significantly drop his value, thus giving him lower-priced contract offers.
Right now, Hedo Turkoglu is at his best and his stock is set firmly at the top. Great move Hedo and Lon. 2009 will be very profitable!