Türkoğlu opts out of contract with Orlando

Hürriyet Daily News with wires

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A day after the Magic acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets, Magic General Manager Otis Smith told the Sentinel that he made Türkoğlu a "decent" initial offer before receiving Türkoğlu's official letter this week notifying the team he had opted out of his contract.

Smith didn't go into details, but said that Thursday's acquisition of Carter -- an eight-time all-star -- will make re-signing Türkoğlu something of a long-shot.

"It would be hard," Smith said.

Türkoğlu's agent said Friday that he sent a notice to Orlando earlier this week that his client will opt out of his contract to become a free agent. Agent Lon Babby said the Magic had made Türkoğlu an initial offer that Orlando general manager Smith characterized it as a "jumping off point."

But Carter's acquisition signals the Magic are jumping in another direction.

Orlando's payroll will likely dip into the luxury tax for the first time in franchise history, and Türkoğlu is looking for a big payday after helping the Magic reach the NBA finals last season.