NBA trade rumors: Magic expected to trade or waive Hedo Turkoglu by Jan. 7
By Josh Sanchez
Veteran small forward Hedo Turkoglu has not helped the Orlando Magic in any way this season, which isn’t exactly what you are looking for as you attempt to rebuild a roster. With money tied up in Turkoglu but no results on the court, it is expected that the team will be parting ways with the vet early next year.
From Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel:
"Rather than cut Turkoglu, who is in the final year of his contract, team officials have kept him on the roster because his contract is an asset that potentially could be used in a trade and net the Magic an asset in return.Still, the Magic won’t keep Turkoglu beyond Jan. 7. …In other words, if the Magic have Turkoglu on their roster on Jan. 8 and waive him that day, he will not clear waivers before the time his contract becomes fully guaranteed. And, therefore, the Magic would be obligated to pay him $12 million instead of $6 million."
Of course, it may be hard to find a willing trade partner for Turkoglu’s services, but they will give it a shot.
At the very least, Orlando will be able to dump some salary and clear a roster spot so that they are able to continue their rebuilding process and look towards the future.