The free-agent bidding is (almost) ready to begin, and interestingly, three key forwards from the Finals could end up with new teams next season.

They would be none other than Trevor Ariza and Lamar Odom of Los Angeles, and of course, Hedo Turkoglu of Orlando.

Turkuglo is drawing the most interest, mainly because he's 6-foot-10, can shoot, drive, handle the ball and fit seamlessly in Magic coach Stan Van Gundy's opportunistic, well-balanced offense. Heck, it can be argued Turkoglu was the reason it worked as well as it did.

Also, of the three (Turkoglu, Odom and Ariza), Turkoglu may have been the best all-around player, but he made the second-most money. He was paid $6.8 million this past season and is opting out of an opportunity to make $7.5. Meanwhile, Odom made $14.1 million and Ariza $3.1.

Basically, the Magic will likely have to double Turkoglu's salary -- or at least come close to doubling it -- to keep him. Sources say GM Otis Smith is indeed prepared to do that.

At the same time, there's the possibility some other team could sneak in and offer Turkoglu a quick (and very large) deal before the Magic get a chance.

One team said to be particularly interested in Turkoglu is Toronto, although that's 100 percent speculation at this point. It does make sense, though. The Raptors may be looking to move All-Star forward Chris Bosh, whose contract expires at the end of next season. When it does, Bosh is expected to look elsewhere for employment.

Obviously, trading Bosh before the start of next season would free up tons of room under the salary cap and cause the Raptors considerably less anxiety. But that doesn't mean it will happen.

Common sense says Turkoglu will return to the Magic, where he can again team with Dwight Howard and Rashard Lewis, and help the Magic build on their remarkable run to the Finals. Then again, this is free agency, where common sense tends to be tossed aside -- both by the teams doing the bidding and the media that covers it.

ARIZA AND THE BLAZERS

Steve Kyler of Hoopsworld.com has reported that Portland may be one of the teams interested in Ariza.

This is interesting for several reasons.

First, the Trail Blazers already have two fairly talented small forwards in Nicolas Batum and Travis Outlaw.

Second, we all remember what happened between Ariza and Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez during a game late in the season -- when Ariza floored a driving Fernandez after fouling him from behind and putting him in the hospital for a day. It was an ugly, scary incident and caused a lot of friction between Ariza and the Blazers (especially Blazers guard Brandon Roy, who rushed to Fernandez's aid).

Still, there's no questioning Ariza's athleticism, drive or ability to defend and hit 3-pointers. And even if he is a small forward by trade, he can guard everyone from shooting guards to 6-foot-10 opponents who play on the perimeter (i.e. Turkoglu).

Of course, as Kyler also reported, Ariza has made it clear he enjoys playing alongside Kobe Bryant and is hopeful for a return to L.A.

AS FOR ODOM

Like Turkoglu and Ariza, Odom is drawing plenty of interest around the league.

Odom has been in the league nine years but doesn't turn 30 until November. He is said to be looking for similar money to what he made this past season (around $14 million per year).

The Lakers are likely to give Odom at least that much, probably a little more. So chances are he will be back. But as one general manager indicated, there's always the possibility someone could make him an outlandish offer, overpaying him for the sole reason that he was a key player on a championship team.

Golden State is said to be among those particularly interested in Odom.

DON'T BET ON THE GRIZ

Bogdog.com has already released its odds for the 2010 NBA championship. I've never placed a bet in my life, but even I would know better than to wager on Memphis.

According to Bogdog, the Grizzlies have a 150-to-1 shot of winning the title next season, dead last in the league.

The Web site's top five, in order: the Lakers (9/4), Cleveland (3/1), Boston (9/2), Orlando (15/2) and Denver (12/1). My money is on the Cavaliers.

Of course, I mean that figuratively.

Sam Amico is the editor of Pro Basketball News. He can be reached at amico@probasketballnews.com.