National Basketball Association

Agent: Turkoglu plans to opt out of Magic contract

Published Jun. 15, 2009 7:04 p.m. ET

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If the Orlando Magic want to get back to the NBA Finals next season, they may have to do it without star forward Hedo Turkoglu.

Turkoglu plans to opt out of his contract on June 20 and become a free agent, his agent told the Orlando Sentinel.

"It would make sense for him to opt out," agent Lon Babby told the paper. "I can't imagine a scenario in which he would not."

The Magic, however, could re-sign Turkoglu to a new deal before he opts out. Turkoglu is slated to make $7.3 million next season in the final year of a six-year, $36 million deal.

"I think Hedo distinquished himself in this playoff run," Babby said. "He's in a different spot than he was before the playoffs began. He's a rare player, a unique player who helped take a team to the Finals. He's grateful for the opportunity he has been given. He's enjoyed his time in Orlando. It's a solid organization, a team on the rise. Hedo will weigh his options."

Backup center Marcin Gortat is also likely to test free-agent waters. Based on the expected market for Gortat, it is unlikely Orlando will be able to retain him, the paper reported.