Toronto Raptors: 3 worst free agent contracts in team history

1. Hedo Turkoglu: 5 years, $52.8 million, 2009

A sign-and-trade qualifies the Turkish shooter for this list, as the former Magic stud was traded away from an Orlando team fresh off losing to Kobe Bryant in the NBA Finals. In an effort to land Vince Carter, Orlando created a gnarly four-team deal that also included Shawn Marion. When the dust settled, Turkoglu was in Toronto with a huge five-year contract.

On the court, he was a disappointment. After averaging 18.2 points per game in his final two seasons during his first stint in Orlando, Turkoglu’s average dropped to 11.3 per game, as he was fourth on the team in scoring behind Chris Bosh, Andrea Bargnani, and Jarrett Jack. What makes this a real kick in the teeth was how he left Toronto.

Hedo Turkoglu burned bridges after one year with the Raptors.

Turkoglu, who was seen in a club while allegedly battling a stomach virus, hinted that he felt wronged by Raptors management and didn’t want to return after just one year. After a trade to Phoenix centered around Leandro Barbosa, Turkoglu ended up back in Orlando via trade one year later, leaving the Raptors confused as to why he regressed.

The Raptors made this deal envisioning that he could be the perfect tertiary gunner for years to come beside Bargnani and Bosh. In one year, Turkoglu saw his production nosedive, partied when he should’ve been rehabbing, and badmouthed the organization on the way out. That’s not the best use of $52 million.