Turkoglu is set to leave the Magic

Hedo Turkoglu’s run with the Orlando Magic appears to be over.

A day after the Magic acquired Vince Carter from the New Jersey Nets, Turkoglu’s agent said Friday that he sent a notice to Orlando earlier this week that his client will opt out of his contract to become a free agent. Agent Lon Babby said the Magic had made Turkoglu an initial offer that Orlando General Manager Otis Smith described as a “jumping-off point.”

But Carter’s acquisition signals the Magic is jumping in another direction.

Orlando’s payroll probably will dip into the luxury tax for the first time, and Turkoglu is looking for a big payday after helping the Magic reach the NBA Finals this season. He will be a free agent July 1.

“We will see what the market holds on July 1, but that market will surely be robust for Hedo,” Babby said.

Turkoglu’s decision was first reported by the Orlando Sentinel.

Orlando also received forward Ryan Anderson from the Nets, who acquired three players in return: point guard Rafer Alston, shooting guard Courtney Lee and power forward Tony Battie. The Magic is hoping Carter, who has averaged 23.5 points over a 10-year pro career, will provide center Dwight Howard with a perimeter scorer who can create his own shot and finish at the end of games -- something the team lacked in losing the Finals to the Lakers.

Mourning to join Heat front office

Alonzo Mourning is returning to the Miami Heat as an executive.

Mourning announced that he will soon begin a job as Miami’s vice president of player development, with a wide range of responsibilities, many of them off the court and in community relations areas.

He’ll also spend some time mentoring young players, a role he took on in the latter part of his playing career.

“My on-court contributions are retiring, but I still feel like I can contribute to the game,” Mourning said. “I’m very knowledgeable, a student of the game, and I think my experiences can help the team and the players.”

After Mourning retired this year, it was clear that the Heat would find a place within the organization for him. He was the franchise cornerstone and an all-time favorite of team President Pat Riley -- his former coach -- and Heat owner Micky Arison.

Warriors will keep Curry, Nelson says

Stephen Curry can get comfortable with the Golden State Warriors. He’s not going anywhere.

Coach Don Nelson says the Warriors won’t trade Curry, their surprise selection with the seventh overall pick in Thursday’s draft.

The Davidson guard led the nation in scoring last season, but seemed an odd choice for the Warriors, given that high-scoring guard Monta Ellis plays much the same style of game.

It led to speculation that Golden State drafted Curry to trade him.

Jazz makes

offer to Millsap

The Utah Jazz has made a qualifying offer to forward Paul Millsap, giving the team the right to match any other offers he receives as a restricted free agent.

The Jazz had until Tuesday to make the offer and there was no doubt it would.

Millsap averaged 13.5 points and 8.6 rebounds this season, playing mostly as a reserve.

He stepped in when starter Carlos Boozer sat out 41 games because of a knee injury and had a string of 19 straight double-doubles.