Türkoğlu to join Blazers, Rudy Fernández not happy…
It sounds like Hedo Türkoğlu, the 30-year old point-forward that led the Orlando Magic into the NBA Finals, has come to an agreement to join the Portland Trailblazers in principle.
The contract is reportedly for five years and $50 million dollars. Portland has accomplished their primary mission; they’ve been chasing free agent Türkoğlu since the end of the NBA season. However, obtaining Turkuglu has brought some internal drama.
Apparently, Portland’s run after Turkoglu angered their super sub Rudy Fernández. Fernández came off the bench last season backing up Brandon Roy and Nicolas Batum and obviously had his eye on a starting position, more minutes, or both in his NBA season.
And it’s not like Fernández doesn’t have options. ESPN reports that several European clubs, including powerhouses CSKA Moscow, FC Barcelona, Olympiacos, and Real Madrid, have been courting the Spanish guard-forward.
Fernandez, who paid more than $500,000 of his own money to buy his way out of his contract with DKV Joventut, believes he can earn 5 million € per season if he signs a 3-year contract in Europe. He is due to make $1.1 million from the Blazers next season.
Fernandez averaged 26 minutes off the bench and scored 10.2 points per game last season. With Turkoglu in the mix, it’s unlikely that his role will expand much. In addition, the Blazers traded Rudy’s best friend on the Blazers – backup point guard and fellow Spaniard Sergio Rodriguez to the Sacramento Kings on draft day. That means a lot less alley-oops this season for Fernández.
It hasn’t been a good week for Rudy’s Portland prospects.
The agreement between Türkoğlu and the Blazers is considered “in principle” because the it cannot be announced (become official) until July 08, 2009. If the contract becomes official, Türkoğlu will become the highest-paid Turkish athlete.












