Credit: Ixitixel/ Wikimedia Commons | GNU Free Documentation License http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Free_Documentation_License
Credit: Ixitixel/ Wikimedia Commons | GNU Free Documentation License http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/GNU_Free_Documentation_License
Updated: Saturday, 04 Jul 2009, 11:13 AM EDT
Published : Saturday, 04 Jul 2009, 11:10 AM EDT
By The Associated Press
TORONTO - Free agent Hedo Turkoglu will join the Toronto Raptors after spurning the Portland Trail Blazers, according to multiple reports.
The 6-foot-10 forward helped Orlando to the NBA finals last season. On Friday, a person close to the Blazers confirmed that Turkoglu ended contract talks with them. The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.
Turkoglu opted out of his Orlando contract last week when the team acquired Vince Carter from New Jersey. Turkoglu was due $7.3 million next season, the final year of his $36 million, 6-year deal with Orlando. He averaged 16.8 points and 5.3 rebounds last season.
Earlier Friday, there were reports Turkoglu had agreed in principle with the Blazers.
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AP Sports Writer Anne M. Peterson in Portland, Ore., contributed to this report.