"Small forward Hedo Turkoglu was the last Magic player to return to Orlando and reunite with teammates after the offseason, arriving Monday night from his native Turkey.

Turk hopes this won't be his last summer with the town and the team he adores.

He said Tuesday that he likely will opt out of his contract after the season to become a free agent, signaling the end of his six-year, $39-million deal with the Magic.

He could play out his final season in 2009-10 at $7.3 million. But he seemingly has gained enough leverage and equity after earning the NBA's most improved player award last season. He turns 30 next March, meaning this is likely his last shot at a lucrative long-term contract.

"It does make sense (to opt out), actually," Turkoglu said, adding with a laugh, "I'd be one year younger.

"I would love to stay in Orlando . . . but this is a business. My business is to play my game. If you don't play your game, you can't get a deal anywhere. Hopefully, Orlando will agree and we will sign, but we'll wait and see. It's hard to tell if I'm staying or leaving."

Magic General Manager Otis Smith said the club "would like to keep Turk" and expects to have several conversations before the February trade deadline with Lon Babby, Turkoglu's agent.

"It's a conversation we have to have as opposed to allowing him to become free," Smith said. "We should have a pretty good idea."

The Magic, who open training camp next Tuesday at RDV Sportsplex, want to get an idea what it will take to re-sign him.

Turkoglu could ask for a contract similar to small forward Corey Maggette's. Maggette signed a free-agent contract worth a reported $50 million for five years this summer with Golden State.

The Magic already have three hefty contracts in place: Rashard Lewis ($116 million over six years), Dwight Howard ($85 million over five years) and Jameer Nelson (about $40 million over five years.)

Asked if the Magic could afford Turkoglu at an average of $10 million a season -- given the punitive luxury tax -- Smith said, "Anything is doable if you want to remain competitive. It's a matter of how creative we can get as it relates to his contract. I'm not sure how the numbers will come in."

If it appears Turkoglu and the Magic can't agree, the Magic could trade him instead of possibly losing him without compensation.

Turkoglu said he realizes he could be dealt, adding, "It's not on my hands. Orlando can trade me. It's a business.""