Hedo Turkoglu Spurns Trail Blazers for Raptors

ESPN is reporting that Toronto is giving him five years and $53 million. In addition, he won't have those pesky playoffs ruining his summers.

Ric Bucher says that Hedo did visit Portland, where a deal appeared all but certain, but ultimately decided that because Toronto was closer to his native Turkey, has a large Turkish population, and is a "cosmopolitan city"...

(pauses to sip mimosa, adjust monocle)

...it was the more attractive destination. Plus, he's already spent significant time in the city as co-host of The Basketball Jones.

Kind of strange how Hedo, a crucial cog in the Magic's run to the NBA Finals, ends up with the Raptors right after he gets replaced in Orlando by Vince Carter. And while some may blanche at the team giving $50 million plus to a thirty-year-old, even the faintest notion that he got pushed out the door for that über-talented marshmallow will be enough to endear him to Toronto fans forever.

Sources: Turkoglu headed to Toronto [ESPN]