Omer Asik is now re-upped in New Orleans, but Enes Kanter and Hedo Turkoglu have yet to agree to a new contract.
Asik started his career as a Houston Rocket, but was traded to the newly-named Pelicans at the start of the 2014 offseason. Now, as a free agent in 2015, Asik has agreed to re-sign with New Orleans on a five-year, $60 million contract.
This money is certainly good for Asik, but is a questionable call from the Pels, who less than a day earlier committed a max extension to young and promising superstar big man Anthony Davis worth a whopping $145 over five seasons. Sure, Davis is more of a power forward despite his size and length, but his domination of the paint takes away from Asik's opportunities on offense, so the Turkish center and New Orleans both do not get the maximum production out of this agreement. Also, Alexis Ajinça signed a four-year, $20 million extension with NOLA on Wednesday.
Next up is Kanter. Enes is a young and exciting offensive center who was drafted by the Utah Jazz with the third overall pick in the 2011 draft, but was traded amid the 2014-2015 season right before the trade deadline, and finished the 2015 season with the Oklahoma City Thunder. As Kevin Durant was absent along with Serge Ibaka, Kanter established himself as a second-option on offense to point guard Russell Westbrook.
Kanter racked up an average of a double-double every game over his 26 appearances, all starting, for the Thunder. His 18.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per contest were staggering numbers, especially considering an improved shot conversion rate of 56.6%.
General Manager Sam Presti of the Thunder has stated that re-signing Kanter is the team's top priority, and reports have it that OKC and Kanter are in deep discussion. It is more than likely that Kanter will stay in OKC on a close-to-max deal.
Hedo Turkoglu is 36 year-old veteran who could definitely provide valuable role player production and some leadership and mentoring off the court. Turkoglu spent 2013 and 2014 in Los Angeles with coach Doc Rivers and the Clippers.
L.A. signed veteran free agent Paul Pierce on Wednesday, and that may close the opportunity for Hedo to re-up with the Clips. There will be other teams looking to add short-term veteran value, but the question remains who will be willing to take a bit of cap room to spend on a one or two-year deal for Turkoglu. The Gaziosmanpaşa, Turkey native has not much left in the tank, and could potentially just call it a day and retire.
In other NBA news for Turkish figures, Igor Kokoškov, an assistant coach, signed on with the Utah Jazz organization despite being offered a head-coaching job at Panathinaikos in Greece. Kokoškov spent 2015 as an assistant in Orlando, and has been a member of many other NBA coaching staffs since the start of his coaching days in 1992. His first NBA job was for the Los Angeles Clippers from 2000-2003.
Any combination of these players could pair up out of free agency. Possible, but not likely, as they each have some sort of own commitments to follow through with at their respective teams. The only somewhat probable move is Turkoglu to Asik and the Pelicans.
Kanter is expected to soon reach a deal with Oklahoma City, so that decision of his will be awaited on Day 2 of the 2015 NBA Free Agency period.