Trail Blazers sign free agent forward Evan Turner

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to terms with free agent Evan Turner on a four-year, $70 million contract. Turner's agent, Kevin

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) The Portland Trail Blazers have agreed to terms with free agent Evan Turner on a four-year, $70 million contract.

Turner's agent, Kevin Bradbury, confirmed the deal first reported by Yahoo Sports. The former Ohio State star drew interest from several teams.

Turner, who was drafted No. 2 overall by the 76ers in 2010, spent the last two seasons with the Boston Celtics. Last year, the 6-foot-7 wing averaged 10.5 points, 4.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists as Boston's sixth man. It was his best season since 2013-14.

Turner thanked Celtics fans on Instagram on Friday.

''Boston, this was definitely one of the toughest decisions I've ever made. I can't say enough how appreciative I am for all the love and support. Every night I played at TD garden was like a dream come through. Thank you for showing me how a REAL sports city does things! You'll forever be in my heart!! C's up,'' he wrote.

Turner spent his first three seasons in Philadelphia before spending a season with the Pacers. He's averaged 10.7 points, 3.8 assists and 4.9 rebounds per game over his career.

The Blazers can come to terms with free agents but can't sign them until July 7 after the NBA moratorium. Bradbury also posted the deal to Twitter and added: ''Perfect fit for a player ready for next level!!''

Portland was one of the biggest surprises of last season, advancing to the second round of the playoffs with one of the youngest rosters in the league after losing four starters in the offseason.

They figure to be active during free agency, with up to $40 million in cap space to work with.

Portland had also spoken Thursday night to forward Chandler Parsons, who agreed to terms with the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday, two sources with knowledge of the situation told The Associated Press.

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AP Basketball Writer Jon Krawczynski contributed to this report.


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