Former Pistons power forward Vernon Macklin will take his talents abroad next season as he is expected to sign with Gaziantep of Turkey, according to his agent Greg Nunn who spoke with HoopsHype. Macklin, 26 in September, averaged 2.0 PPG and 1.5 RPG in 23 contests with Detroit during the 2011-12 season.
"Vernon decided to turn down three NBA camp invites," Nunn said. "He feels he needs to play to showcase his talents and return to the NBA next year."
Macklin became an unrestricted free agent earlier this offseason when the Pistons did not extend the former Florida big man a qualifying offer. Since then, Macklin has drawn attention from a variety of NBA teams including the Nets, Suns, Wizards, Bucks and Lakers. The second-year forward thrived during a stint with Fort Wayne as he averaged a double-double in the D-League over the course of 10 games.