Turkoglu headed to Phoenix for Barbosa, Jones

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07/14/2010 - Toronto, ON (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Toronto Raptors have traded forward Hedo Turkoglu to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for guard Leandro Barbosa and forward/center Dwayne Jones.

Turkoglu signed a long-term contract with Toronto last season as a free agent after backing out of a deal with Portland. In 74 games last season, he struggled to per-game averages of just 11.3 points, 4.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists. The point total is his lowest since 2003-04 when he played for Sacramento.

"After much fanfare and high expectations, things just didn't seem to work out here for Turk," said Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo. "I'm certain he will move on and contribute great things to Phoenix. We wish him well."

The 31-year-old Turkoglu spent five seasons with Orlando prior to his signing with Toronto and helped to lead the Magic to an Eastern Conference title in 2009 after averaging 16.8 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.9 assists in 77 regular season games.

Barbosa had spent his entire seven-year career in Phoenix and averaged 9.5 points last season in 44 games. The per-game point average was his lowest since 2004-05.

"Leandro Barbosa is a player I'm quite familiar with and I'm very pleased that he is coming to Toronto," said Colangelo, who traded for Barbosa when he was GM of the Suns in 2003. "His speed, quickness and scoring ability will mesh well with our desired playing style and talented young athletes."

Jones, at 6-foot-10, 250 pounds, is a five-year veteran out of St. Joseph's that has averaged 1.3 points, 2.3 rebounds and 7.8 minutes in 82 career games.

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Problem with Bears?

Chicago, IL - New Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler and star linebacker Brian Urlacher shot down reports of a rift, saying they're simply not true.

"There's nothing between us," Cutler said Thursday, when he reported to training camp. "I just want to put that to rest. There never has been anything between us."

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Urlacher added: "I never said what I was quoted as saying and that's it. I have a lot of respect for Jay. I think Jay knows that."
Former Bears receiver Bobby Wade caused a stir when he told Minneapolis radio station KFAN-AM that Urlacher used a profanity while questioning Cutler's manhood during a conversation in Las Vegas last weekend. Wade, who now plays for the Vikings, said Urlacher used a profane version of the word "wimp" during the interview that had to be edited out.
go radio station WSCR-AM also reported that Urlacher had to be restrained from confronting Cutler during organized team activities.
"I wouldn't go face-to-face with Brian, anyway," Cutler said. "No, that's never happened. I've hung out with Brian away from the facility numerous times and we've always gotten along."
Urlacher, noting he was limited by a groin injury, denied the reports in an interview with the Chicago Tribune and did it again when he reported to camp.
"I didn't practice this summer, so I don't know how I would fight the guy if I didn't practice," Urlacher said. "We have no problems. I'm excited about football starting. I'm excited to have him as our quarterback."
Why would Wade say that?
"I don't know," Urlacher said. "Maybe he's jealous because we have a good quarterback now."
Cutler said the first he heard of any friction was when he got a call from Urlacher to clear the air. Urlacher, however, said he had already taken several calls from teammates wondering if the reports were true when Cutler phoned.
"He called me and I said, What's up (expletive), what are you doing?'" a grinning Urlacher said, uttering the same word he allegedly used with Wade. "It's so dumb to me that this even got to this point, but it did and then here we are."
better place after going 9-7 and missing the playoffs for the second straight year. They have a franchise quarterback for the first time in decades after acquiring Cutler in an offseason trade with Denver. But there are questions about his attitude following a fallout with Broncos management and new coach Josh McDaniels.
His critics include former Bears coach Mike Ditka and former Indianapolis and Tampa Bay coach Tony Dungy, one of Smith's mentors. Smith, however, said Cutler has been a model teammate so far while denying any animosity with Urlacher.
"There's no issue with Jay and Brian, except Brian and Jay are both excited about being teammates for our club this year," coach Lovie Smith said. "No more than that. We can't spend a whole lot of time on something that isn't true. I have talked to the players. Whenever something comes out, you have to address it, but it's a non-issue."
In some ways, Cutler is getting a second chance in Chicago, an opportunity to repair his reputation.
Smith said another quarterback - Michael Vick - deserves one, although he doesn't see it happening with the Bears, who lack an experienced backup. The former Atlanta Falcons star, who served a 23-month sentence for running a dogfighting ring, said Thursday he is getting close to signing with a pro football team.
"A second chance, like everyone in society who has paid their debt to society," Smith said. "He deserves a second chance. As far as we're concerned, we like this team that we have right now."
Particularly the new quarterback.
"Me and Brian have been on a good relationship since I've been here, and I expect it to continue that way," Cutler said.

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