The Orlando Magic made major moves this week by reacquiring the multifaceted Hedo Turkoglu from the Phoenix Suns. The move marks Turkoglu’s return to the team he led to the 2009 NBA Finals only to lose at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Orlando dispatched Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, and Mickeal Pietrus to Phoenix in exchange for Turkoglu, Jason Richardson, and Earl Clark.

This deal is what a player such as Hedo Turkoglu desperately needed. He returns to where he had the most success and meaning as a player during in his career, a place where the fans loved him before, and will likely love him again.

Daddy is back in town guys, time to make the postseason matter again.

For Orlando this deal represents the franchise’s admission of failure in that they are reacquiring Hedo, a player they let walk after they should have paid him in the first place. He did lead them to the NBA Finals after all. You know, the place where every team wants to be, but only two lucky teams can go each season?

Hedo was a major reason Orlando performed well during the playoffs and even made the surge to the finals. He’s streaky but always has a knack for rising up in meaningful games.

Vince Carter has lost a step or two in recent years. He now joins another player who is undoubtedly on the decline, Steve Nash, to play together on a team in a tougher Western Conference. It’s hard to imagine that the two stars remain in Phoenix for the rest of the year.

Carter can post highly inflated stats playing out meaningless games as Phoenix tailspins into further futility, or he might find himself as the lone alpha dog surrounded by young new blood if Phoenix trades Nash to a team willing to give up enough for the Suns to make another move.

The winner in this trade is unquestionably the Orlando Magic.

The Magic get their catalyst back in Hedo, swap out Vince’s old knees and declining game for ultra-athletic Jason Richardson, and lose Marcin Gortat (and his whining for playing time) for a low risk high reward scenario in Earl Clark.

Mickeal Pietrus fits into this equation, but I am still not sure how, other than making the salaries work.

I believe that this deal could work out well for the Magic, and definitely more so for the Magic than it will the Suns. It’s hard to imagine that this would have happened if Steve Kerr still ran things for the Suns.

The Magic made a deal moving Rashard Lewis to the Washington Wizards in exchange for Gilbert Arenas that will also help Orlando. Orlando now has powerful offensive weapons in Arenas, Richardson, and likely a resurgent Hedo Turkoglu. They gain even more by means of subtraction in that they were able to ditch Lewis’ rediculously high contract to Washington.

Both trades in my opinion make the Magic stronger, however, in the bigger picture of the Eastern Conference, it won’t help them much in their attempt to get past Boston or Miami.

The Boston Celtics are on a serious roll right now. After destroying LeBron James’ Cavaliers while simultaneously ripping out the hearts of Cleveland fans, it is apparent after 2 games of the Easter Conference Finals that the Celtics are the team rising up and and on their way into the NBA Finals for the second time in 3 years.

If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Boston suffered during the playoffs last year as they were riddled by injuries. This year Boston wisely played it safe towards the end of the regular season, riding out some rough nights in order to rest the walking wounded. Pundits began questioning their ability, but the Celtics stuck to their plan and to their core players, only adding some reserves, and it is paying dividends in the post season.

The same cannot be said for the Orlando Magic. Orlando allowed Hedo Turkoglu to walk away while shipping out defensive sensation Courtney Lee and veterans Tony Battie, and Rafer Alston (The one player who actually could have led them to victory in my opinion. Dude was on fire, and led them to the Finals, only to lose his job to the coming off the injury Jameer Nelson. I still believe to this very day that Van Gundy should have been fired for that move.) for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson.

The philosophical difference regarding roster moves can be best taken in while analyzing the result of game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Doc Rivers had his front court burn through fouls on Dwight Howard the same way Antoine Walker spends money: plentifully and not thinking about tomorrow. Although Howard was effective, Boston’s team defense held Orlando’s other starters not named Howard to a meager 30.9% from the field. The remaining Magic, bench included,  shot a total of 19-58, good for 32%. Yikes.

You will unquestionably lose to a team as defensively sound as Boston shooting a percentage like that. It is critical in order to hang with Boston that you maximize your points for possessions.

Meanwhile Boston shot 45% from the field as a team which will usually lead to victory when your team is great on defense. Even though Kevin Garnett didn’t shoot well, he played well defensively. He found ways, other than scoring, to have impact the game.

Not to discredit Orlando, but these shooting figures clearly indicate just how tough and together Boston is right now. They fought for rebounds while keeping Howard to single digits figures in rebounding. Howard can usually sneeze a double double, but he was beaten mightily on the glass during game 2.

Game 1, half-man. Game 2, half-invisible.

Vince Carter’s atrocious shooting during game 2 devastated Orlando’s offense not unlike the depleted ozone layer is devastating our planet: 5-15 shooting, 16 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist. He did more harm than good, and jsut like the ozone, if something is not done about trying to reverse this soon, everyone wearing a Magic jerseyis in big trouble.

Carter did have 3 steals, but those were negated by the 3 turnovers. His poor performance was a major fallout from his solid performance in game 1 where he shot 50% from the field, scoring 23 points with 5 rebounds and 2 steals.

Wasn’t Carter supposed to be the messiah that pushed Orlando over the top in the Eastern Conference like a Sylvester Stallone semi-illegal arm wrestling move?

Is it safe to say Carter was pretty much owned by Orlando in game 2?

What the heck happened?

Has Boston figured out how to shut Carter down? If so, how does Orlando try to avoid being swept?

When Jameer Nelson is held to 4 assists, and Carter can muster up only 1, Orlando has to be missing those 5 assists and 5 rebounds a game Hedo Turkoglu averaged during the playoffs last year.

All hindsight aside, why would you tinker with a lineup that got you into the NBA Finals?

Somewhere out there in the world Hedo Turkoglu is recovering from a cold while partying in a nightclub, after watching these games, drinking expensive cocktails while thinking to himself that no matter how bad his year was, Orlando must know they were better off with him.

Turkoglu’s versatile game creates mismatches capable of poking holes in the strongest of defenses, and as a 6’10″ passer he allowed Orlando to more aptly explore these mismatches. He integrated well within their system, and helped Orlando by repeatedly stepping up during clutch moments, eventually leading the Magic to the NBA Finals last year.

Will Carter rise up to the occasion in Game 3 in Boston, or will he be owned once more?

NBA fans everywhere take note: The European basketball feel is coming soon to an arena near you! Ball movement, unselfish play, and all the things the league used to stand for are about to experience a long awaited revival.

The Marco Belinelli trade adds yet another piece to the European conglomerate that is the Toronto Raptors.

Why do European Players prefer to play in Toronto anyway?

I will see this bench only if I am injured in Toronto! (Credit:picapp.com)

Look at this international roster:

Italy: Andrea Bargnani and Marco Belinelli

Spain: Jose Calderon

Turkey: Hedo Turkoglu

England: Pops Mensah-Bonsu

Croatia: Roko Ukic

Ljubljana (Slovenia): Rasho Nestrovic

Las Vegas: Marcus Banks

This Raptors team is capable of the best ball movement and unselfish play we have seen for quite some time. The shooting ability of the Italian duo will spread the floor, allowing Chris Bosh and the super-athletic DeMar DeRozan to terrorize the paint.

Calderon has a huge shot, if he stays healthy, of leading the league in assists.

"This is how Euro style is done son" (Credit: picapp.com)

The Raptors have a huge chance of hosting a first round playoff series in the East.

Kobe could be the only one–we know Danilo Gallinari won’t be on the court– understanding the dialogue between Belinelli and Bargnani.

Maybe Kobe will ask them for recommendations for good Italian food in Toronto. Then maybe he’ll drop 81 on them.

It will be very interesting to see if Belinelli breaks out in Toronto. He has proven to be a capable offensive weapon in decent stretches of minutes, which he should see in Toronto.

"Ersan, Hedo is turkish too. Come to Toronto! (Credit:picapp.com)

Another question is whether his presence will have a positive impact on Bargnani.

Early on, all signs point toward a big ‘yes’.

Calderon, Jarrett Jack, Belinelli and Roko Ukic fill out a deep guard rotation.

Toronto is poised for a deep run into the Eastern Conference Playoffs this season.

Every NBA season sees a few guys break out. Players that finally got the chance to get the necessary minutes to put up legit stats and took advantage of the opportunity. Jeff Green of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Kelenna Azubuike of the Golden State Warriors were these type of players from this past season. Green went from 28 to nearly 37 minutes a game upping his average from 10.5 to 16.5 ppg. Azubuike’s minute total went from 21 to 32 and he took advantage upping his points per game average from 8.5 to 14.4. We at Protect the Paint will now give you Part 1 of the Top 10 Under-the-Radar Breakout Players of 2009-10.

Can Amir win Skiles over and earn playing time? (Credit: picapp.com)

10. Amir Johnson F/C Milwaukee Bucks: Only 22, but has been in the league since 2005 buried on the Pistons bench with some time in the D-League. Seldom had the chance to incur the growing pains a young player needs in order to develop—he never got the necessary minutes. Johnson should see plenty of time in Milwaukee under coach Scott Skiles who will appreciate his defensive effort. Look for Amir to round out his game and see an upward swing in production in the first quarter of the season. That is, if Skiles lets him play through his mistakes.

Dj White will prove the pundits wrong this season. (Credit: picapp.com)

9. D.J. White F Oklahoma City Thunder: The former Big 10 Player of the Year came into the league last season, but his rookie year was delayed five months after undergoing surgery on his jaw to remove a benign growth. Played six games in the D-League before debuting for the Thunder in April. Played in only seven games but immediately proved he could play against NBA talent scoring 8.9 points with 4.6 rebounds in just over 18 minutes per game. Should fit right into the Thunder rotation for 2009-10 as one of the first players off Scott Brooks’ bench.

A bigger stronger Brewer could explode this season. (Credit: dimemag.com)

8. Corey Brewer G/F Minnesota Timberwolves: Bulked up about 15 pounds while rehabbing his surgically repaired ACL which was a necessity considering he was listed last year at just 185 lbs. which wasn’t much for a player standing 6’9”. Has been working on what his game lacks most, shooting. If Brewer can raise his offensive game to match his defensive tenacity, he will be well on his way to becoming the player Minnesota thought he was when they selected him with the 7th pick of the 2007 Draft. We will get the first glimpse of Brewer’s new frame and skills starting today when the Las Vegas portion of the NBA Summer League begins.

Will Rudy get the minutes to break out this year? (Credit: picapp.com)

7. Rudy Fernandez G Portland Trailblazers: The decorated European star had an excellent first season in the NBA last year in the Pacific Northwest setting the rookie record for most three-pointers made (159), but has just scratched the surface of realizing his potential. If he gets more than the 25 minutes per game he averaged last season, the Spaniard could explode into one of the top players in the league. Recent rumors of his unhappiness after Portland’s failed attempt to sign Hedo Turkoglu could result in Fernandez being included in any potential deal in the making.

Regardless of where Thomas ends up, will he live up to his hype? (Credit: picapp.com)

6. Tyrus Thomas F Chicago Bulls: Overdue for his breakout year—showed flashes of his superstar potential. If Thomas can stop his love affair with the jump shot and continuously attack the rim, his point per game total will dramatically increase. He is a solid free throw shooter (78% last year) and by getting to the rim he could up his scoring average to 18-20 points. If he can stay on the court for 35 minutes a game Thomas should produce All-Star caliber numbers. Anything less would be a real let down. Rumored to be part of a deal that would send him to Utah with Carlos Boozer coming to Chicago.

Check back tomorrow to find the top 5 in our NBA Top 10 Under-The-Radar Breakout Players of 2009-10: Part 2

The free agent signings of Jason Kidd, Hedo Turkoglu, and Trevor Ariza beg the question: What’s up with NBA players turning their back on winning for money? Especially guys that have already had monster contracts. We’ll give Ariza a bit of a break because he won a ring with the Lakers last month and had yet to score the monster payday, but Kidd and Turkoglu are different stories, especially Kidd.

Kidd has earned $158 million in salary alone over the course of his career. $158 million. How much more freakin’ cash does he need? Does he live that “high on the hog” he’d go for the scratch instead of a real chance at winning? Does he drive a fur-lined Countach? Seems like a future Hall of Famer would like to close out his career with some hardware. Is this guy feeding all of his hometown of Oakland? And Latrell Sprewell’s family? Could be the alimony payments to Joumana.

Turkoglu has earned $35 million over the course of his career. The difference between the Blazers offer ($50 million) versus the Raptors offer ($53 million) is more than most of us will ever make, but he traded a great opportunity for team success in Portland for keeping his wife happy in Toronto.

If you analyze any other career in the world you will notice that compensation is performance based. If you fail to perform you inevitably fail to retain your position. It is a sad state of affairs within the NBA when players can go to a team with no chance of winning simply to make more money. It should go against the ideology of being a professional athlete.

Magic and Bird are true professionals by definition. (Credit: vurbmoto.com)

Have they any pride? Isn’t a professional athlete’s job supposed to be winning? Seems like it’s become more about the groupies and hangin’ in the champagne room of whatever strip club in whatever city they happen to be in that night. And why are guys on opposing teams so buddy-buddy with each other? That’s truly nauseating. Watching dudes hug and giggle with one another in the midst of a game isn’t supposed to happen. Magic Johnson and Larry Bird had tremendous respect for one another, but were the fiercest of enemies on the court. This is not a bromance after all. It is basketball.

The game has devolved into what is often simply entertainment instead of fierce competition. It’s just not about winning for the vast majority of players in this league which has to make you wonder why fans allow this. Are they too hypnotized by $10 beers, the beats blaring from stadium loudspeakers, and fat guy dance troupes?

By today's standards, Bird and Magic would make less then the mid-level exception. (Credit: usinflationcalculator.com)

And since we referenced Magic and Bird, Protect the Paint decided to research how much money Magic and Bird made during their careers. Yes, it was a much different time, but the money these guys made didn’t render the concept of winning and losing obsolete like it so often does today.

Magic earned around $46 Million, with $15 million of that in his final two seasons. Deduct the $15 million from the $46 million and you have $31 Million over the first 15 years of his career.

Magic got his payday as a reward for winning NBA titles. (Credit: basketball-reference.com)

That averages out to roughly $2 million per season. Kidd will average $8.3 million for 3 years, and has but a minuscule chance at winning a championship. Obviously one could argue about inflation, and how their salaries would inflate to something near that, but it is hard to imagine either Magic or Bird leaving for the money when they were in a situation to win it all.

Even adjusting for inflation, these guys didn’t come close to making what dudes make today.

Larry Legend made an approximate total of $26.5 million during his ENTIRE career. That is $1.5 million more than Jason Kidd will make over the next three years.

Bird knew winning required making less money. (Credit: basketball-reference.com)

Larry Bird made $1.5 million in 1990-91 (a million less than Robert Parish), and didn’t care that he wasn’t the highest paid guy on the squad.

Star Players shared what little wealth they had in order to win. (Credit: Basketball-reference.com)

In the same 1990-91 season, Magic earned $2.4 million which was the most on the team, but he wasn’t obsessed with who made what.

Bird and Magic were true professionals from a bygone era. No one today compares. Not the Michael Jackson-mourning Kobe, not LeBron (especially after what happened when King James got dunked on in a pick-up game), not anyone.

They wanted to be on the best team, and be the best player on that team. They wanted to play against the best team, and beat them, no matter what the cost. If they were to make less money, that was okay. It wasn’t the point. They were already making over a million bucks for a game they would most likely have played for nothing.

They won. They did not allow their salary to interfere with the number one goal of their sport which was bringing home the title. The only greed in these guys had was the greed of winning more and more. Not money.

Realistically, how much money does someone deserve for playing the game basketball? Yes, we get the concept of supply and demand, but too many guys today play for the wrong reasons.

It’s sad when ridiculous salaries blur the concept of competition.

This past week we have seen Ben Gordon and Charlie Villanueva join Detroit.

Ron Artest took a pay cut and is hoping to get his first ring playing for the world champion Lakers.

Hedo Turkoglu reneged on a Portland offer, selecting the Raptors instead.

Rasheed Wallace is now alongside Kevin Garnett in Boston.

Trevor Ariza maxed out his contract value and is Houston-bound.

And Finally, Jason Kidd is staying in Dallas instead of going to New York.

The free agent signings become official today, the first day that players are allowed to ink their verbal agreements. There are more deals to come involving free agents, and it is going to be interesting to see where everyone ends up.

We here at Protect the Paint will list some of the rumors/moves involving the available free agents.

REMAINING FREE AGENTS

Lamar Odom

Odom might be hugging members of the Blazers soon. (Credit: daylife.com)

Lamar Odom doesn’t seem to be thinking repeat. Instead he and his agent want to be shown the money in the neighborhood of $10 million per season. Odom appears to be going the Trevor Ariza route, cashing in elsewhere now that he has the ring. He sacrificed his stats to win and now wants to sign with a team that could offer him a starting position and big bucks. Should have a different address in 2009-10. The Blazers are reportedly interested. Championship experience on an up and coming squad never hurts.

Andre Miller

Looks like Miller is heading to Portland. Gives the Blazers the floor general they lacked last season and gives Miller a chance to win. Good match all the way around.

Brandon Bass

Bass would make a mistake going to Detroit. (Credit: ocregister.com)

Bass could be staying in Dallas, heading to Orlando, or possibly ending up in Detroit. It makes absolutely no sense for him to sign with the Pistons. With rumors circulating of Carlos Boozer being shipped there for Rip Hamilton, and Charlie Villanueva signing a 5-year deal, he would essentially be the third option at power forward. The Magic need help up front. Orlando would be a good fit.

Antonio McDyess

McDyess could get a ring if he heads to San Antonio. (Credit: ugplay.com)

McDyess is leaning towards San Antonio in the most recent rumor involving the veteran which would provide more depth in the Spurs front court. He’s a solid shooter and depenable on the glass averaging 9.6 ppg and 9.8 rpg last year for the Pistons. The Spurs would have a solid 1-2 post punch with McDyess and Tim Duncan giving them the size to contend with the Lakers huge frontline.

Marcin Gortat

Marcin Gortat is going to get paid big bucks this summer. (Credit: mlive.com)

Most likely headed to Dallas. We’ll see how he responds to more minutes and more responsibility. This is a huge loss for Orlando who now have lost the majority of their front line not named Dwight Howard–Tony Battie via the Vince Carter deal, Hedo Turkoglu to free agency, and Gortat. The Magic better hope Ryan Anderson is as good as Pat Williams thinks he will be.

Grant Hill

Hill should go to a contender rather than a pretender. (Credit: offsideswithfletcher.com)

There are rumors of Hill heading to the the Knicks. Finally healthy, his game resurfaced playing with Phoenix. He appeared in all 82 games for the Suns last season. It’s unfortunate that he would want to make the move to New York, especially when he could most likely ink himself onto another team with better chances of winning a title. Seems like he and fellow 1994 co-ROY Jason Kidd have more in common then we thought: Take the money, not the chance for a championship ring.

Channing Frye

Frye could play minutes that matter for the Cavs. (Credit: nike.com)

Frye is very interested in signing with Cleveland. The guy has been marred with the “wrong place, wrong time” syndrome during his career. He was buried behind David Lee in New York and then behind LaMarcus Aldridge in Portland. If Cleveland loses Anderson Varajao, Frye will have an immediate chance for big minutes at power forward for the Cavs. This is a good opportunity for both sides. Frye has showed he has a lot of game and could be a late bloomer if given the chance.

Trade rumors involving Carlos Boozer, Rip Hamilton, Andre Miller, and CJ Miles are circulating throughout the league.

With substantial free agent activity about to ensue,  trades will be made by both cash-strapped teams and ones hoping to clear cap room for next summer. Historically it has been proven that teams will make trades out of desperation (i.e. Jason Kidd for Devin Harris to the Mavs). What teams are on the verge of making moves they will one day regret.

Protect the Paint will now look at some of the trade rumors floating around the league:

RUMORED TRADES

Carlos Boozer in exchange for Rip Hamilton

Boozer might be headed to Detroit for Rip Hamilton. (Credit: scorereport.com)

It is obvious Hamilton needs to be shipped elsewhere as Ben Gordon and Stuckey are the back-court of the future/now. It’s rare a guy is awarded $50 million or more to be the 6th man. It is curious though as Boozer and Charlie Villanueva essentially play the same position. By trading for Boozer, what purpose was there in signing Villanueva? With free agency rumors involving Brandon Bass, one must wonder why Joe Dumars is trying to stockpile power forwards.

Andre Miller to the Portland Trailblazers

Andre Miller: heading to Portland via sign and trade? (Credit: slamonline.com)

Miller appears to be on his way to Portland via the sign and trade. We mentioned this possibility here last week. This is a sensible move for the Blazers who lacked experience at the point especially evident in the post-season. Brandon Roy will thrive with a good decision maker running the show. Portland may trade Rudy Fernandez–rumored to be unhappy even after Hedo Turkoglu decided not to come to the team–which may be a move general manager Kevin Pritchard ends up regretting. Expect Travis Outlaw to be a part of the deal.

CJ Miles to Toronto Raptors/Boston Celtics/New Jersey Nets

CJ Miles is heating up the trade talks. (Credit: blog.tribphoto.com)

There are many teams (possibly six) rumored to be closing in on C.J. Miles. Miles is young (22), a capable shooter (46% FG in 2008-09), and has played within Jerry Sloan’s strict system. Boston, Toronto, and New Jersey could use his outside shooting, and it is a safe assumption he would thrive in a system outside of Utah, as other players have (see Mo Wiliams). New Jersey has the most talent to offer. Miles would see an increase in minutes in Toronto or New Jersey, resulting in a chance to realize his potential.

Shawn Marion to the Dallas Mavericks

Marion: Heading to Dallas, but will it do any good? (Credit: daylife.com)

This would be a sign and trade deal in which Marion comes to Big D with Jery Stackhouse heading a package of players headed north of the border. This move would give the Mavs some athleticism and a good rebounder. The nucleus of Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Kidd, and Marion with Jason Terry and the possible addition of Marcin Gortat improves the roster. Whether it places them among the upper echelon teams of the Western Conference is up for debate. This roster appears to be a work in progress.

This past Thursday, Hedo Turkoglu–who opted out in Orlando after vastly improving his stock during the Magic’s run to the finals–announced he would sign a fat deal with the Portland Trailblazers, good for $50 million over 5 years. Sounds good.

Then on Friday, Turkoglu reneged on this agreement to come to the pacific northwest and decided to head about as far north as you can go in the NBA to the Toronto Raptors for $53 million over 5 years. Either way, these two offers for Hedo dwarf the Orlando offer ($35 million over 4 years).

The $3 million more Toronto is offering–which is nothing to sneeze at–may have more to do with placating Mrs. Turkoglu than anything else?

In Portland, Hedo would have joined All-Star Brandon Roy on the up and coming team in the super-competitive Western Conference. Instead, Hedo opted to join a far weaker Toronto Raptors team as part of Bryan Colangelo’s last ditch effort to retain Chris Bosh past 2010. Winning doesn’t appear to be priority number one for Hedo.

Hedo is joining a weaker team in a weaker division for $3 million more (Credit: streetball.com)

In being outbid for Hedo by teams with more cash to spend, and opting to allow Courtney Lee go in the deal that brought Vince Carter to Florida, Orlando has now lost two vital cogs in the rotation that got them to the finals. As a result, the Magic become slower and older. Rarely the elixir for NBA success.

Protect the Paint will now view the pros and cons of Turkoglu selecting Toronto over Portland.

PROS

Hedo's passing skills will be useful for Toronto (Credit: sportsagentblog.com)

Hedo is an amazing passer/ball-handler for a guy his size. There are very few 6’10” players who can drop in 20 points and 10+ assists on any given night. Hedo is one of the few.

Turkoglu will instantaneously make life easier on Chris Bosh. The floor spacing of Hedo, Jose Calderon, and Andrea Bargnani should allow Bosh to have more of an impact late in games when it really matters. Look for a huge spike in production and desire out of a rejuvenated Bosh. No one knows if this will this be enough to keep in him in Canada for years to come, but you have to give the Raptors’ front office and A for effort.

Turkoglu is one of the best at finishing games and his play in the 4th quarter should dramatically help Toronto in close games.

Brandon Roy almost had Turkoglu at his side (Credit: nike.com)

CONS

Adding Turkoglu to the team almost certainly results in Toronto not being able to retain Shawn Marion–a tireless rebounder and full of hustle. This results in the Raptors becoming a much weaker rebounding team.

Boozer started the trend of breaking verbal agreements (Credit: nike.com)

Turkoglu’s reputation takes a hit here. Hedo is now the latest to pull off a Carlos Boozer. It’s not quite the same scenario. Boozer was let of a deal and then hosed the Cavs. Hedo opted out. He’ll say he didn’t use the Blazers offer as leverage for something better. We’ll never know for sure.

Hedo will take extra money and justify it by saying he can be in a more international, multi-cultural city. Although there may be a Turkish community up there, there is no Championship-caliber basketball team. This indicates where Hedo’s head and heart are, or maybe better put, where they’re not–not concerned with winning. If they were, he would choose Portland by a landslide. Gotta keep the wife happy though.

SYNOPSIS

Hedo’s arrival in Toronto will result in a 7-8 playoff seed. That’s better than last year, but it is doubtful they will go any further as they will lose Marion, Anthony Parker, and possibly more in order to pay his salary, in addition to stockpiling the money needed to resign Bosh. The Raptors are now good enough to get in the playoffs, but will be ‘one and done’ once they get there as rebounding and tough defense keeps you alive in the post-season.

Bosh will have 1 year with Turkoglu to decide to stay in Toronto (Credit: cbcnews.com)

Bosh will not be able to carry this load. He will be frustrated his team won’t advance past the first round, and sign elsewhere (in America) in 2010. At least Hedo will have his international city, and Turkish community, and oh yeah, the $53 Million. That kind of coin always helps ease the sting of losing.

Seems like Portland managed to dodge the bullet of signing a player more focused on money and living situation over winning.

Click here to vote for the best free agent move of the summer!

This summer marks the continuation of major spending reform (and not for the better) in the NBA. The Vince Carter, Shaquille O’Neal, and Richard Jefferson deals exemplify that liquidating huge contracts for scrap (or crap) heaps, and aiming to win it all now, is THE popular trend–the rich getting richer. Ben Gordon, Hedo Turkoglu, Jason Kidd, and many other free agents will land large deals, but who can afford to pay them?

Teams are preparing for next summer by dangling expiring contracts via trade to desperate teams.  Assessing the chances to land a marquee name–LeBron James, Dwayne Wade, Amare Stoudemire, Chris Bosh, Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, Paul Pierce, Manu Ginobili–in 2010 is becoming commonplace, and as a result unthinkable trades are being made.

But let’s not forget, there is top-notch talent available this summer, and Protect the Paint will now evaluate who we think the most relevant free agent is for the teams with the most spending power. Lets face it, money talks, or else the free agent walks.

The teams with the most cap space are:

1. Memphis ($18 mil)
2. Detroit ($16.6 mil)
3. Atlanta ($14.8 mil)
4. Oklahoma City ($14.7 mil)

Other teams with significant room are:

1. Utah ($9.2 mil)
2. Portland ($8.1 mil)
3. Miami ($6.7 mil).

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

Memphis is going to need every penny they have if they hope to lure a major free agent to play for the Grizzlies. We’re talking about a small market team and a perennial losing franchise. It is doubtful any free agent of substance would be willing go there. What’s the draw? Don’t say Mark Gasol. Beale Street is pretty nice though.

Whoever Memphis signs, they will likely pay more than that player’s true market value. Additional revenue is the only thing luring a player to the Grizzlies. The only destination less attractive may be Milwaukee where Brandon Jennings hardly looks (or sounds) like a savior.

BIGGEST NEED: New Location. If the Grizzlies were located in a larger market, we’ve got to believe more players would consider playing there. Until then, have your checkbook ready Griz. They do have the money to offer Hedo Turkoglu a salary he could not refuse. The combo of Turkoglu, OJ Mayo, and Rudy Gay is solid yet entirely unrealistic.

DETROIT PISTONS

Wednesday’s breaking news of head coach Michael Curry being fired implies Joe Dumars wants to insure free agents will want to come to Detroit. It is well documented that Curry ruffled more than just one player’s feathers. Apparently, Dumars plans to let Allen Iverson and Rasheed Wallace walk.

Iverson and Wallace are in the twilight of their careers, and locking either one of them into a long-term deal makes absolutely zero sense when the Pistons are building around Rodney Stuckey and Tayshaun Prince. Acquiring a third scoring option who is entering/closer to his prime is what Detroit needs.

Gordon's offensive skills would help Detroit (Credit: chi-ball.com)

GREATEST NEED: Ben Gordon or Hedo Turkoglu. Ben Gordon is ideal for Detroit. He is a young, capable scorer who would give the Pistons a solid trio of offensive weapons to build a bright future around. Turkoglu might not make sense with Rip Hamilton and Stuckey already there, but he is a major factor why Orlando went to the finals and the Pistons can afford him.

ATLANTA HAWKS

After recently acquiring Jamal Crawford from Golden State, it raises questions if Atlanta will re-sign Mike Bibby. Crawford gives Atlanta another 4th quarter scoring threat, easing the defensive pressure on Joe Johnson.

Atlanta can let 30-year-old Bibby walk, and re-sign key reserves Zaza Pachulia and Flip Murray. Retaining Pachulia gives Atlanta depth in the post, which is a necessity for playoff basketball.

Will Childress play another year in Greece? (Credit: lowposts.com)

GREATEST NEED: Keeping what they already have (re-signing Pachulia and Murray). These two players are too valuable and affordable not to re-sign and the Hawks need to save their coin for Johnson who can opt out next summer. Josh Childress returning from Greece would give them back-court flexibility.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

OKC cannot afford to spend too much on a major free agent. The Thunder need to spend frugally in order to retain the core of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and Russell Westbrook. It is an unconditional must. This being said, signing a mid-level free agent would be the wise move for OKC and there are several available. One in particular would fit nicely with the Thunder’s nucleus.

Millsap would thrive playing with the Thunder (Credit: deseretnews.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Paul Millsap would immediately add a tough rebounding presence and the blue-collar attitude that the young Thunder need. Adding Millsap makes the playoffs a possibility, especially considering Yao Ming’s injury in Houston puts the Rockets 2010 playoff hopes in major jeopardy opening up a spot for another Western Conference team. Millsap gives any team he’s on many second (and often third) chance opportunities on the offensive end. If Boozer opts out of Utah, then expect the Jazz to match any offer made on Millsap.

UTAH JAZZ

The Jazz faced potential free agency disaster, but both Carlos Boozer and Mehmet Okur have decided against opting out and will stay. Luckily for Utah, Boozer’s injury-plagued 2008-09 season and lingering questions of his ability to stay healthy is most likely all that prevented him from bailing and receiving a large offer elsewhere. Does he care about money more than winning? He did bail on LeBron. That should answer that question.

Okur–a big man who can shoot–must believe his best chance for another title (he won a ring in Detroit) lies in Salt Lake City.

Mehmet Okur won't abandon the Jazz. (Credit: nba.com)

BIGGEST NEED: Staying healthy. A healthy Jazz are as good as any team in the NBA. Re-signing Milsap as insurance for the fragile Boozer would be huge, but chances are good a team with more cap room will nab him.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

Portland is a young team on the rise. They made the playoffs, and in doing so, exposed their greatest weakness.  Depending on which players they decide to retain the rights to, they could go as far as $15-30 million under the cap. They will not advance past the 1st round with Steve Blake as the starting PG. The Blazers have a solid leader in two time All-Star Brandon Roy, but they need a savvy veteran who can bring the ball up court.

Andre Miller is a massive ugrade to Steve Blake (Credit: ESPN)

BIGGEST NEED: Andre Miller or Jason Kidd. Miller would instantly bring leadership and make Portland a title contender as the Blazers mature. Miller has a lot of game left in the tank, and with $8 million to spend in cap space, they could afford to sign him.

With Jason Kidd coordinating the offense, there is no telling where the Blazers could go. Odds are Kidd remains in Dallas or signs with the New York Knicks. Kidd is already in New York and ready to begin negotiations.

MIAMI HEAT

Miami obviously has no interest in spending any money this summer. Their top priority is re-signing Dwyane Wade. The irony might end up being that in not making moves to secure talent around Wade they may lose him. Wade has made it abundantly clear in the media that he wants players provided for him now, not later. What Miami really needs is a low post presence. A solid center would immediately seal up a lot of loose ends for the Heat.

Marcin Gortat can start and make a difference in MIami (Credit: pablonasportowo)

BIGGEST NEED: Marcin Gortat or Anderson Varejao. With Orlando recently acquiring Vince Carter, Orlando will have trouble matching offers for Gortat. With Cleveland making the O’Neal trade they have no chance of paying Varajao the money he wants. Gortat has proven to be a solid performer when filling in for foul-prone Dwight Howard, and could be an affordable solution to fill the void in the middle in Miami. Varejao’s athleticism and defensive prowess might be the better move for Miami. He can give them what last year Jermaine O’Neal couldn’t.

The Orlando Magic  rose out of the Southeast division into the NBA finals this year. The possible return of Josh Childress to Atlanta (they still have his rights as a restricted free agent), roster moves made by Miami, and the future of Hedo Turkoglu’s free agency ventures all will factor into this summers moves.

There is plenty of  room for teams to rise and fall in this division. If Washington starts the season healthy they are Protect the Paint’s choice to have the biggest turnaround year, possibly turning a 19 win last season into a 50 win season.

Jordan Hill’s game would be a nice fit in Washington. (Credit: ESPN)

Washington Wizards (19-63)  With the  #5 pick  Jordan Hill or James Harden looks like the most promising for the Wizards. Adding someone with size and or scoring ability is a good contingency plan for an injury riddled roster.

At the 32 pick it is not too far-fetched to see someone like Patrick Mills or Darren Collison being  selected for additional depth at PG. This might be a wise choice as Gilbert Arenas’ knee is an unknown factor.

Charlotte Bobcats (35-47)  Charlotte is stacked at the forward position. They should focus to find smart, athletic and defensive minded guards that can play for Larry Brown. With the 12th pick look to see Charlotte selecting Jrue Holiday, Jonny Flynn, or Terrance Williams.

It is a possibility that Raymond Felton Leaves leaving the Bobcats with DJ Augustine and little else at the point. This philosophy should hold up with the 40th pick as well, and North Carolina Tarheels’ Wayne Ellington and Danny Green could be available this deep.

Ty Lawson is a champion in the NCAA. Can that translate to the NBA? (Credit: themixtapemonster.com)

Atlanta Hawks (47-35) In a deep draft for guards, a PG reserve for Mike Bibby would not be bad with both  the 19th and 49th pick. Marvin Williams and Josh Childress are restricted free agents.

Rumors for Josh Smith being moved also can play into Atlanta moving up in draft order.  With people worrying Ty Lawson might be injury prone, look for him to still be available at pick 19.

Joe Ingles could surprise the NBA (Credit: draftexpress.com)

Miami Heat (43-39) holds the 43rd and 60th (via Indiana). Vastly improved with a rejuvenated Dwyane Wade. The heat must ask if Mario Chalmers is the long term answer at the point, and if Michael Beasley is a more natural fit at the 3. The Heat could look for a big like Joe Ingles or Josh Heytvelt.

If all quality bigs are gone by pick #60, look for Miami to have another “steal of the draft” type Guard in Jodie Meeks or international players Rodrigue Beaubois (France), Nando De Colo (France), or Patrick Beverly (Ukraine).

Orlando Magic (59-23) Orlando has no picks in this years draft and will make retaining free agent Hedo Turkoglu their main objective. Look to see potential trades involving Rafer Alston including picks or future picks. Other than that, the Magic stand pat (no pun intended, Pat Williams)