Turkoglu, Hedo - F - Orl 2009-07-04 13:31:57 Turkoglu deal with Raptors close to reality
FANTASY INSIGHT: Capping a wild day of speculation and premature proclamations, the Raptors appear to have come away as winners in the race for Hedo Turkoglu.
A reported deal that would have seen the free agent forward sign with the Portland Trail Blazers has fallen through, according to league sources and published reports, clearing the way for the 6-foot-10 forward to join the Raptors.
The cost would be substantial – the Raptors would have to renounce the rights to Shawn Marion, Anthony Parker, Carlos Delfino and a host of bit players – but there are indications the team is willing to make that move.
Early indications are the deal is for five years and $56 million (U.S.). (TheStar.com)
Turkoglu, Hedo - F - Orl 2009-07-04 13:31:55 Hedo Turkoglu cuts off talks with Blazers
FANTASY INSIGHT: Free-agent forward Hedo Turkoglu and the Portland Trail Blazers have ended contract talks, a person close to the team confirmed Friday.
The person spoke on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the negotiations.
Turkoglu's agent, Lon Babby, didn't immediately return calls or e-mails.
The 6-foot-10 forward who helped the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals arrived in Portland on Thursday to meet Blazers executives and tour the city. He was scheduled to leave on Saturday. (AP)
FANTASY INSIGHT: The Boston Globe report on Friday says the Celtics offered Wallace a deal during a three-hour meeting in Detroit on Thursday.
Celtics stars Kevin Garnett, Ray Allen and Paul Pierce joined general manager Danny Ainge and managing partner Wyc Grousbeck at the meeting.
Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland, tells the Globe some contractual terms were discussed, but no agreement was reached. (NBA.com)
Turkoglu, Hedo - F - Orl 2009-07-03 18:23:15 Turkoglu agrees to join Portland, report says
FANTASY INSIGHT: Hedo Turkoglu has reportedly agreed to join the Portland Trail Blazers after helping Orlando reach the NBA finals this season.
ESPN.com on Friday cited unidentified sources and did not disclose terms. Turkoglu's agent, Lon Babby, did not immediately return calls or e-mails. Portland cannot comment on the agreement until Wednesday, when teams may sign free agents. (AP)
Gortat, Marcin - F - Orl 2009-07-03 12:44:59 Marcin Gortat reportedly headed to Dallas
FANTASY INSIGHT: Restricted free agent center Marcin Gortat has been offered a contract by the Mavericks and had a trip scheduled for Dallas this week, according to sources. Orlando has the right to match the offer, but Gortat's visit is a good sign for the Mavs, who are banking on Magic ownership not dipping into luxury tax territory to sign Dwight Howard's backup. (NBA.com)
Ariza, Trevor - F/G - 2009-07-03 8:57:14 Source: Rockets agree on multiyear deal with Ariza
FANTASY INSIGHT: The Houston Rockets have reached a multiyear deal with free agent Trevor Ariza, a person familiar with the negotiations told The Associated Press on Thursday night.
The person, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because NBA rules prohibit announcing free-agent deals until next week, said the Rockets offered Ariza the full mid-level exception for the first year, about $5.6 million. (NBA.com)
Artest, Ron - F - 2009-07-03 8:56:32 Lakers add veteran Artest to mix
FANTASY INSIGHT: David Bauman, Artest's agent, said the Houston Rockets forward has verbally agreed to play for the NBA champions next season. Bauman said the final details are still being worked out.
ESPN.com reported Artest had agreed to a three-year deal worth $18 million (U.S.). Bauman wouldn't confirm those numbers, saying the deal was still being negotiated.
The 6-foot-7 forward earned $7.4 million in his only season with Houston, averaging 17.1 points, 5.2 rebounds and 3.3 assists. The 2004 defensive player of the year was also a rugged one-on-one defender, often assigned to guard the opponent's most dynamic scorer. (AP)
Okur, Mehmet - C - Uth 2009-06-30 23:24:12 Utah C Okur to return next season
FANTASY INSIGHT: The Jazz center Mehmet Okur decided to exercise his player option in his contract and return to the team next season, the club announced on Tuesday.
Okur, who came to Utah as a free agent in 2004, averaged 17.0 points, 7.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 72 starts last season. (Sports Network)
Amundson, Louis - F - Phx 2009-06-30 23:24:10 Suns exercise option on Amundson
FANTASY INSIGHT: The Suns exercised the second-year team option on the contract of forward Louis Amundson.
Signed by the Suns last August, Amundson saw action in a career-high 76 games last season and averaged 4.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 13.7 minutes. Over three seasons, the first two with Philadelphia, he is averaging 3.5 points a game. (Sports Network)
Boozer, Carlos - F/C - Uth 2009-06-30 23:24:08 Carlos Boozer will be staying with the Utah Jazz next season.
FANTASY INSIGHT: Boozer told an ESPN.com reporter in December that he was definitely going to opt out of his contract, but backed off his original statement and said when the season ended he wanted to consider all of his options.
He chose not to chance an iffy free agent market for more money and possibly a long-term deal. (Sports Network)
