Magic Trade Rumors

Magic contact Wallace's agent; likely won't re-sign Gortat
Comment
July 4
Orlando Sentinel
 
"The Orlando Magic have contacted Rasheed Wallace's agent and likely will not match the Dallas Mavericks' pending offer sheet for Marcin Gortat and want perhaps one last chance at re-signing Hedo Turkoglu. Magic General Manager Otis Smith told the Sentinel on Friday that he has been in contact with Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland. Smith disputed reports that Wallace was making a visit to Orlando, although he said "it was possible" a some point. Smith agreed that Wallace, a veteran 6 feet 11 power forward, would be a nice "fit"alongside center Dwight Howard, but "it just depends on what Rasheed wants to do." Gortat, according to reports, has committed to sign the Mavs' offer sheet, with ..."
Trail Blazers refute reports deal is done with Hedo Turkoglu
Comment
July 3
Oregonian
 
"Despite published reports to the contrary, Hedo Turkoglu has not reached an agreement with the Trail Blazers, a team source announced at 2:20 p.m. Friday. ESPN first reported that a deal had been reached in principle, but general manager Kevin Pritchard and Turkoglu agent Lon Babby have not confirmed the deal. The 6-foot-10 small forward, one of the top commodities in this year's free agent market, arrived in Portland on Thursday afternoon and is expected to leave Saturday morning. If a deal is struck, the Blazers can not officially sign Turkoglu until July 8, when the league's free agent moratorium is lifted. Teams have been allowed to contact and negotiate with free agents since midnight ..."
Turkoglu, Blazers agree
Comment
July 3
ESPN.com
 
"Hedo Turkoglu has reached an agreement in principle to join the Portland Trail Blazers, according to sources. Although a verbal commitment may be announced sooner, the terms of the contract cannot be finalized until Wednesday, after the NBA informs teams what next year's salary cap will be. Turkoglu The Orlando Magic's recent trade for Vince Carter, who has a large salary and plays small forward -- which is Turkoglu's position -- made it highly unlikely Turkoglu would be back in Orlando. The Toronto Raptors expressed interest, but that was constrained by their other efforts to keep Shawn Marion and Carlos Delfino. Turkoglu, a 6-10 forward from Turkey who played a prominent role in the ..."
Magic contact Rasheed Wallace's agent; likely won't re-sign Gortat
Comment
July 3
Orlando Sentinel
 
"The Orlando Magic have contacted Rasheed Wallace's agent and likely will not match the Dallas Mavericks' pending offer sheet for Marcin Gortat and want perhaps one last chance at re-signing Hedo Turkoglu. Magic General Manager Otis Smith told the Sentinel on Friday that he has been in contact with Wallace's agent, Bill Strickland. Smith disputed reports that Wallace was making a visit to Orlando, although he said "it was possible" a some point. Smith agreed that Wallace, a veteran 6 feet 11 power forward, would be a nice "fit"alongside center Dwight Howard, but "it just depends on what Rasheed wants to do." Gortat, according to reports, has committed to sign the Mavs' offer sheet, with ..."
Gortat drawing interest
Comment
July 2
Florida Today
 
"As the free-agent offers for Hedo Turkoglu reportedly continue to soar to as high as $50 million, the likelihood of reserve center Marcin Gortat returning to the Orlando Magic also has increased. The Houston Rockets launched an all-out pursuit of Gortat on Tuesday, meeting with the Magic's coveted center minutes after midnight early Wednesday morning. Rockets general manager Daryl Moray announced his recruitment of Gortat with a mass e-mail on his Facebook.com page and he also urged Rockets fans to leave notes for the Polish-born player at the e-mail address rocketsfanslovegortat@gmail.com. But because Gortat, a two-year NBA player, is a restricted free agent, the Magic have the right to ..."
Turkoglu to meet with Blazers' hierarchy
Comment
July 1
ESPN.com
 
"Portland Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan is flying to Orlando to have a Wednesday night dinner with the Blazers' top free-agent target, Hedo Turkoglu. Turkoglu's agent, Lon Babby, said Wednesday that Turkoglu will then travel to Oregon for a Thursday tour of the Blazers' facilities and meetings with Portland general manager Kevin Pritchard and assistant GM Tom Penn. With the Blazers projected to have $8 million to $9 million in salary-cap space this summer -- with firm figures not known until the league announces next season's salary cap on July 8 -- and the Orlando Magic lacking the financial flexibility to re-sign Turkoglu after trading for Vince Carter last week, Turkoglu is widely ..."
Blazers pursue Hedo Turkoglu as NBA free agency opens
Comment
July 1
Oregonian
 
"The Trail Blazers' summer agenda was revealed late Tuesday night at the minute the free agent market opened. That's when general manager Kevin Pritchard and assistant general manager Tom Penn called agent Lon Babby to begin the courtship of small forward Hedo Turkoglu. "Kevin Pritchard and Tom Penn called me at the earliest possible moment and expressed enthusiasm for engaging in discussions about Hedo becoming a Trail Blazer," Babby said late Tuesday night. "We have begun that process." Pritchard said he first contacted guard Brandon Roy and forward LaMarcus Aldridge, who both are seeking contract extensions with the Blazers, before inquiring about Turkoglu. Turkoglu, 30, is a 6-foot-10 ..."
Magic will let free agent market settle before offering Turkoglu a new contract
Comment
July 1
Orlando Sentinel
 
"The Orlando Magic will make another long-shot run at re-signing small forward Hedo Turkoglu while patiently waiting to bargain-shop after the green flag drops on free agency. Teams can begin courting Turkoglu and other players on Wednesday and begin signing them to contracts on July 8. General Manager Otis Smith said Monday he would reach out to Turkoglu again, but Smith didn't anticipate making any free agent an offer at the first allowable contact — 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday morning. He expects to wait for a cost-conscious market to settle unless a deal comes together. "I'll sit still," Smith said. "I won't be in a big hurry. There's a lot of guys available and not a lot of money out ..."
Magic's Hedo Turkoglu likely to disappear
Comment
June 30
Florida Today
 
"In the days after his Orlando Magic were beaten in the NBA Finals, free-agent-to-be Hedo Turkoglu was asked if he would be willing to take less money to stay on a championship-ready team. "Depends on how much less money," Turkoglu said before breaking into laughter. That topic isn't a laughing matter now, especially in the Turkoglu household, after the Magic pulled off a blockbuster trade last week for eight-time All-Star guard Vince Carter. Turkoglu, who won the NBA's Most Improved Player award in 2008 and was a driving force in Orlando's run to the Finals in 2009, seemed to have all of the leverage as a free agent in the days after the most successful season in Orlando history ended. The ..."
Will addition of another star player ring a discordant note in Magic chemistry?
Comment
June 29
Orlando Sentinel
 
"What happens when you add a star to a group of supremely talented, accomplished people who already are stars in their own right? That's the question that the Orlando Magic will face head-on in the season ahead. On paper, the acquisition of eight-time NBA all-star Vince Carter (above, bottom right) gives the Magic a proven scorer who can complement Dwight Howard, (above, top left), Rashard Lewis (above, top right) and Jameer Nelson (above, bottom left) — and Hedo Turkoglu in the unlikely event that he re-signs with the team. "I just want to fit in and get to work," Carter told reporters at RDV Sportsplex just hours after the trade went through Thursday. "They have already accomplished so ..."
Nets trade Vince Carter to Orlando
Comment
June 26
Bergen Record
 
"Vince Carter won't get a chance to lead the Nets back to the playoffs, but they hope his departure will help them land a superstar next summer. The Nets traded Carter, their best and most popular player, and young forward Ryan Anderson to the Orlando Magic for guards Courtney Lee and Rafer Alston and veteran big man Tony Battie on Thursday. The Nets also received trade exceptions worth $3.7 million and $1.2 million that they have one year to use. Getting rid of Carter could mean a third straight season without postseason basketball. But cutting his salary - $33.6 million guaranteed for the next two seasons - opens up about $17.5 million next summer when LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris ..."
Magic acquire Vince Carter from Nets; Hedo return unlikely
Comment
June 26
Orlando Sentinel
 
"The Orlando Magic's blockbuster formula for winning the NBA Finals now involves shooting guard Vince Carter as the go-to-guy and very likely not small forward Hedo Turkoglu, who probably will move on after turning down an offer from the club. Magic General Manager Otis Smith told the Sentinel that he made Turkoglu a "decent" initial offer before receiving Turkoglu's official letter this week notifying the team he had opted out of his contract. Smith didn't go into details, but said that Thursday's acquisition of Carter - an eight-time all-star - will make re-signing Turkoglu something of a long-shot."
Nets Agree to Move Vince Carter to Orlando
Comment
June 25
Trenton Times
 
"Vince Carter is heading home, to central Florida - and he's bringing Ryan Anderson with him. The Nets have agreed in principle to trade their leading scorer and major gate attraction to the Orlando Magic in exchange for three players, which will effectively help them clear more than $18 million off their 2010-11 salary cap. Coming to New Jersey are point guard Rafer Alston, power forward Tony Battie, and rookie shooting guard Courtney Lee. Anderson will be sent to Orlando in a separate deal for Orlando's trade exception. It is now likely that the Nets will lean toward drafting a two-guard to take Carter's place, such as Terrence Williams."
Vince Carter to Magic trade official
Comment
June 25
Boston Globe
 
"An NBA source told The Boston Globe that a trade was just consummated sending Nets forward Vince Carter to Orlando for guard Rafer Alston, forward Tony Battie and guard Courtney Lee."
Sources: Nets, Magic in serious talks for Vince Carter
Comment
June 25
ESPN.com
 
"The New Jersey Nets are in serious talks with the Magic about a deal that will send Vince Carter to Orlando for Rafer Alston, Tony Battie and Courtney Lee, two league sources told ESPN.com. The talks have reached a point that a deal could be done by the end of the day Thursday, according to sources. The trade would give the Magic even more star power on their quest to win an NBA championship. The addition of Carter to a lineup that already consists of All-Star players Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson would make Orlando the favorite to win the Eastern Conference title next year if the franchise also finds a way to bring back Hedo Turkoglu, who will opt out of his contract this ..."
Magic face quiet draft night
Comment
June 25
Florida Today
 
"Already in the midst of the shortest offseason in franchise history, the Orlando Magic's summer to-do list will be a little less hectic tonight when they likely will remain on the outside looking in at the NBA Draft. The Magic, who lost the NBA Finals to the Los Angeles Lakers, do not have a pick in tonight's draft, and most likely will keep it that way. Orlando wants to save every salary-cap dollar it can for free agents Hedo Turkoglu and Marcin Gortat and doesn't want to waste financial resources on an unproven rookie from what is thought to be a weak draft class. First-round draft picks are guaranteed three-year contracts at about $1 million a season, money that Magic general manager ..."
Latest NBA rumor: Blazers targeting Turkoglu, Kidd?
Comment
June 19
Oregonian
 
"Nothing better to usher us into the weekend than a big, juicy rumor. From Yahoo! Sports and Adrian Wojnarowski: For all the Portland Trail Blazers' usual misdirection plays about moving up in the draft, few say they're sincere in climbing into the lottery. Ultimately, it's thought that the Blazers are trying to clear cap space - perhaps as much as $10 million - and multiple league executives think Portland is determined to sign Orlando Magic free agent Hedo Turkoglu.For now, the Blazers are trying to find a taker for point guard Sergio Rodriguez and his $1.6 million salary. They're interested in Dallas Mavericks free agent Jason Kidd, too. The Mavericks want to keep Kidd, who will probably ..."
Magic may bend to keep Turkoglu
Comment
June 17
Florida Today
 
"For weeks, Hedo Turkoglu has used the analogy of knocking on the door of a great opportunity as it relates to his impending free agency. His only concern: will the Orlando Magic answer his request for a lucrative contract that will provide him long-term security and keep the team's talented nucleus intact? "It has to be something that works for both sides, I understand that," Turkoglu said on Tuesday. "But I can't keep knocking on the door if nobody answers." When Turkoglu opts out of the final year of a six-year, $36 million contract on June 30, he'll become an unrestricted free agent starting July 1. He'll assuredly be looking for a five-year contract and likely one worth the $10 million ..."
Turkoglu will opt out of contract with Magic, become free agent
Comment
June 15
Orlando Sentinel
 
"The agent for Hedo Turkoglu told the Sentinel on Monday that the Orlando Magic small forward will opt out of his contract and become a free agent in two weeks. "It would make sense for him to opt out," Lon Babby, Turkoglu's agent said by phone. "I can't imagine a scenario in which he would not." The Magic, fresh off an appearance in the NBA Finals, will be challenged to keep their core group together with Turkoglu and center Marcin Gortat testing the free-agent waters. The Magic already have tied up Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis and Jameer Nelson to large, long-term deals. The club can make the point moot if they re-sign Turkoglu before he officially announces he will opt out of his ..."
Agent: Turkoglu to enter free agency
Comment
June 15
ESPN.com
 
"Orlando Magic sharpshooter Hedo Turkoglu's next shot will be at free agency. Lon Babby, the agent for Turkoglu, told the Orlando Sentinel on Monday that his client will opt out of his contract and become a free agent in two weeks. "It would make sense for him to opt out," Babby told the newspaper by phone. "I can't imagine a scenario in which he would not." June 30 is the first day players can declare for free agency. In Turkoglu's case, it wouldn't matter if the Magic choose to re-sign the 6-foot-10 forward. Turkoglu will be entering the final year of a $36 million, six-year contract. He is scheduled to make $7.3 million next season under terms of that deal. Babby told the Sentinel he ..."
Patrick Ewing keeps shooting for NBA head-coaching gig
Comment
June 13
New York Daily News
 
"If NBA teams looking for head coaches were only as interested in Patrick Ewing as reporters are these days. Ewing has been giving numerous interviews during the Finals, for obvious reasons. An assistant to Orlando's Stan Van Gundy, he primarily works with Dwight Howard, whose two missed foul shots with 11 seconds left in Game 5 against the Lakers led to the Magic's crushing overtime loss and 3-1 deficit entering tomorrow night's potential clincher. "Everybody wants to talk to me about Dwight," Ewing said. "He's our franchise player." But NBA teams still have yet to call the Knick great about a head coaching position. With Sacramento's hiring of Paul Westphal this week, all NBA coaching ..."
Orlando's Gortat On Knicks Radar
Comment
June 8
New York Post
 
"Though the Knicks likely will take a combo-type guard in the June 25 NBA Draft, Knicks team president Donnie Walsh will eye a center with his $5 million mid-level exception during free agency, and Orlando's 7-foot backup Marcin Gortat is very high on his list, The Post has learned. The Knicks had no interior defensive presence, and that's Gortat's strength. He also blocks shots and rebounds. (The Knicks were last in blocked shots the past two years). The Polish big man originally was drafted by coach Mike D'Antoni's Suns in the second round of 2005, but they traded his rights. Gortat probably will not be re-signed because he plays a smallish role as Dwight Howard's backup and the Magic ..."
It's time to start Nelson at point guard
Comment
June 7
Orlando Sentinel
 columnist Mike Bianchi
"All of this conversation and consternation about whether Magic point guard Jameer Nelson should be playing in the NBA Finals is as ridiculously aggrandized as the "Sorry, honey" $4 million purple diamond ring Kobe Bryant bought his wife. As the Magic ready for tonight's crucial Game 2 against the Lakers, we should not be asking why Nelson is playing. What we should be asking is this: Why isn't Nelson starting? Why are the Magic and Coach Stan Van Gundy skirting and skulking and hemming and hawing about this move? Why are they being so indecisive and unclear? Let's review, shall we? A couple of weeks ago, after a Magic practice in Boston during the conference semifinals, the injured Nelson ..."
Jameer Nelson not expected to play tonight
Comment
June 4
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson isn't likely to play tonight in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers, but he is expected to be activated and dress out, the Sentinel has learned. The chance of him playing in the series is still remote. Nelson has been feverishly trying to come back early from Feb. 19 shoulder surgery. The Magic have been evaluating his progress the last few days, and it appeared he might be a long shot to play after returning to practice this week. Nelson was two months ahead of his projected six-month rehab schedule and had increased the intensity of his workouts the past three weeks, he did not participate in his first formal practice with the Magic ..."
Magic's big question remains: Will Jameer Nelson play in NBA Finals?
Comment
June 4
Orlando Sentinel
 
"There's at least one guy who fully expects all-star point guard Jameer Nelson to play for the Orlando Magic in the NBA Finals. And that's Anthony Johnson — the point guard whom Nelson likely would be replacing off the bench in the rotation. "I'm pretty sure he's going to be given the benefit of the doubt. I expect him to be out there sometime during the series," said Johnson, the veteran who has been backing up starter Rafer Alston. "You got to play the guys who give you the best chance to win." Nelson participated in his first formal practice on Tuesday at RDV Sportsplex, his first significant action in exactly four months after injuring his right shoulder Feb. 2 against the Dallas ..."
Jameer Nelson closer to getting nod for NBA Finals
Comment
June 3
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson looks to be closer to playing in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers as observers said he was flying down the floor, running with the second team in Tuesday's practice. Teammates are convinced that Nelson is making a return after missing four months of the season. Nelson has been trying to come back early from Feb. 19 shoulder surgery and the club is using practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, in Los Angeles, to evaluate whether he can play. "I'm pretty sure he's going to be given the benefit of the doubt. I expect him to be out there sometime during the series," said Anthony Johnson, the veteran back-up point guard to starter Rafer Alston. ..."
Players: Nelson to play in NBA Finals
Comment
June 2
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson looks to be closer to playing in the NBA Finals against the Los Angeles Lakers as observers said he was flying down the floor, running with the second team in Tuesday's practice. Teammates are convinced that Nelson is making a return after missing four months of the season. Nelson has been trying to come back early from Feb. 19 shoulder surgery and the club is using practices on Tuesday and Wednesday, in Los Angeles, to evaluate whether he can play. "I'm pretty sure he's going to be given the benefit of the doubt. I expect him to be out there sometime during the series," said Anthony Johnson, the veteran back-up point guard to starter Rafer Alston. ..."
Magic's Jameer Nelson: 'Every day I feel a little better'
Comment
June 2
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Jameer Nelson is back on the basketball court. But don't get too excited about seeing him in uniform in the NBA Finals against the L.A. Lakers. Nelson started practicing with the team last week and will participate in workouts today in Orlando and Wednesday in Los Angeles before a final decision is made about whether he will be activated for the Finals. So far his action has been limited to 4-on-4 pickup games, though he has taken some contact. Nelson was cautiously optimistic about his prospects. He suffered a torn labrum on Feb. 3 and had surgery on it Feb. 19, with the team signing Rafer Alston the same day. Doctors told Nelson to expect a six-month recovery. So far it has been a little ..."
Magic's Superman Dwight Howard not yet an NBA superstar
Comment
June 2
Orlando Sentinel
 
"One movie's theme music is played more often inside Amway Arena than any other. It is, of course, the familiar refrain from the Christopher Reeve Superman movies, and it blares over loudspeakers whenever Dwight Howard throws down a dramatic dunk or initiates a thrilling three-point play. In Orlando, Howard is considered the real-life incarnation of Superman. But, nationally, that doesn't make him a superstar. At least not yet. The NBA Finals, which get underway Thursday in Los Angeles, will give the Orlando Magic's 23-year-old center the greatest national exposure of his burgeoning pro career and his best opportunity yet to reach the rarefied superstar status of Kobe Bryant and LeBron ..."
Magic center Dwight Howard: If fans want me, I'll stay in Orlando
Comment
June 2
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Orlando Magic all-star center Dwight Howard, publicly addressing his long-term future for the first time, told the Sentinel on Monday that he'd love to finish his career in Orlando. As long as Orlando wants him, he says. "It is an interesting question," Howard said. "You know what? I'll be here as long as the fans want me to be here. They have a lot of do with it." Howard, 23, is a five-year veteran and has four more years left on his $85-million contract. "I tell my friends this: I want to stay here. It will be based upon the city. We want the support of our fans. That's what carries us, that's what inspires us, that's what keeps us motivated. "You want to feel loved. That's the biggest ..."
Nelson's return to Magic lineup remains unlikely
Comment
June 1
Florida Today
 
"Jameer Nelson continues to recover from his thought-to-be season-ending shoulder injury, but there's a slim chance the Orlando Magic could get the all-star point guard back for the NBA Finals. Nelson had surgery on Feb. 19 to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and started working out in basketball drills two weeks ago. Nelson's quick progress has impressed the Magic, but general manager Otis Smith has said that Nelson most likely won't return this season. "He's a long way away and he just started shooting," Smith said recently. "He was done for the season in February and that hasn't changed. Right now he's having a hard enough time playing (pick-up) against (athletic trainer) Keon ..."
Magic mull return of Jameer Nelson for NBA Finals
Comment
May 31
Orlando Sentinel
 
"The Magic are encouraged by Jameer Nelson's rehabilitation so much that they will evaluate the possibility of the all-star playing in the NBA Finals against the Lakers, the Sentinel has learned. Magic President Bob Vander Weide said the team is exploring whether Nelson can return after undergoing shoulder surgery Feb. 19. He hasn't played since he was injured Feb. 3 against the Dallas Mavericks. Although Nelson wouldn't be in prime condition, Vander Weide said, "the chance to get an all-star point guard on the floor for 15 minutes a game ... you'd have to look at that." The Magic had ruled him out for the season and the playoffs, and as late as a week and a half ago General Manager Otis ..."
Magic GM rules out Jameer Nelson return in playoffs
Comment
May 22
Florida Today
 
"Injured Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson desperately wants to return to action and told NBA TV that it was a possibility, but general manager Otis Smith shot down that idea today. Nelson had surgery on Feb. 19 to repair a torn labrum in his right shoulder and has started working out in basketball drills again. Nelson said he can shoot without pain, but he's yet to go through contact drills. That didn't stop Nelson from telling NBA TV on Wednesday night that, "sometimes people heal faster than others. I'm pushing myself a little, but I'm not going to do anything stupid. (A return) is definitely possible.'' Not so, says Smith, who said he has Nelson's future in mind when ..."
GM Otis Smith says Stan Van Gundy is safe
Comment
May 14
Orlando Sentinel
 
"His coach has been under fire and second-guessed by the star player, but Magic General Manager Otis Smith said there's no reason to believe Stan Van Gundy's job is in jeopardy. ESPN analyst Tim Legler said Van Gundy was in trouble after the team lost Game 5 in Boston. Van Gundy is safe as far as Smith is concerned. "I don't understand why he wouldn't be," Smith told the Sentinel on Thursday after shootaround. "He's still the coach that he is. He still does a good job doing what he does." Dwight Howard questioned why he didn't get the ball more and second-guessed Van Gundy's strategy late in the game. Smith said he talked to Howard about his comments to the media and preferred he handled ..."
Alston out; Lee could return
Comment
May 8
Boston Globe
 
"The Magic will be without starting point guard Rafer Alston tonight for Game 3, but they expect to gain shooting guard Courtney Lee. Alston was suspended one game yesterday by the NBA for slapping Celtics guard Eddie House in the back of the head late in Wednesday night's 112-94 loss. Veteran journeyman Anthony Johnson is expected to get the start tonight. Alston's suspension was announced by NBA vice president Stu Jackson, who also doled out a one-game suspension for Lakers guard Derek Fisher, who was called for a flagrant foul in Game 2 of Los Angeles's series with the Rockets Wednesday night. "We didn't have to think much about [Alston's] penalty," Jackson said. "The rule is clear. Any ..."
Courtney Lee rejoins Magic in Boston, but is still in no shape to play
Comment
May 6
Boston Herald
 
"Arriving directly from the airport and still toting his travel bag, Courtney Lee walked into a team meeting at the swank Boston Harbor Hotel on Tuesday afternoon. As he entered the ballroom, following Coach Stan Van Gundy's scratchy, booming voice, he was greeted by applause from his Orlando Magic teammates. The Magic were glad to see him and Lee was happy to return after undergoing sinus surgery, but they'll have to wait for a reunion on the floor. Lee said he won't play Wednesday night in Game 2 against the Boston Celtics, who trail the Magic in the second-round playoff series 1-0. "I'm going to take it slow," Lee told the Orlando Sentinel. Asked when he might be able to play again, he ..."
Lee expected back for Game 3
Comment
May 5
Boston Globe
 
"The Magic expect to have rookie guard Courtney Lee back in their starting lineup for Game 3 against the Celtics Friday night. J.J. Redick got his second straight start in last night's series opener. Lee suffered a fractured sinus in Game 5 of the first-round series against Philadelphia last week - the result of an inadvertent elbow from teammate Dwight Howard - and missed the Game 6 clincher. Magic general manager Otis Smith, however, said the 6-foot-5-inch, 200-pound guard is expected to be available Friday. Lee will wear a protective mask. The Magic drafted Lee out of Western Kentucky, 22d overall last June. Lee had a solid rookie season, averaging 8.4 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 1.2 ..."
Dwight Howard to be named defensive player of year today?
Comment
April 21
Orlando Sentinel
 
"The Magic have called a news conference for 2 p.m. after practice today at RDV Sportsplex. The guess from here is that center Dwight Howard has been named the NBA's defensive player of the year. Kevin Garnett, last year's winner, was named DPOY last year on April 22, 2008. Howard became just the fifth player in NBA history to lead the league in blocks and rebounds this season. Garnett won the award by averaging 9. 2 rebounds and 1.2 blocks, but he changed the culture of the Boston Celtics in leading them to a title."
Hedo leaning toward opting out of contract at season's end
Comment
April 21
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Hedo Turkoglu has a lot on his mind, not the least of which is Philadelphia 76ers forward Andre Iguodala. He's trying to play on a sore left ankle and adjust to a Sixers defense that has painted a bull's-eye on his uniform. He's trying to stay with Iguodala, who made a game-winning jump-shot over him Sunday in the Magic's playoff-opening loss. And if that's not enough, Turkoglu, contractually speaking, is also trying to stay in Orlando with the Magic. It's no wonder that Turk yearns to have "a clear mind." Turkoglu indicated during an interview with the Sentinel on Monday that he's leaning toward opting out of his six-year, $39 million contract this summer, although he said he has yet to ..."
NBA's luxury tax might force the Orlando Magic to part ways with Hedo Turkoglu and Marcin Gortat
Comment
April 10
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Fittingly, the Magic close their regular season Wednesday on April 15 — tax day. The Sentinel has learned that the Magic most certainly will have to make some salary-cutting moves after the season in order to keep small forward Hedo Turkoglu and center Marcin Gortat and avoid paying the NBA's punitive luxury tax next season. Their payroll is projected at roughly $70 million for 2009-10 and the league's tax threshold is expected to drop from $71 million to about $68 million, meaning the Magic would have do to something they vowed never to do. "We'd have to pay the tax, yes," General Manager Otis Smith said. "But that's today." Smith said he doesn't believe the Magic will have to go into the ..."
Ewing: Give Me A Shot To Run Team
Comment
March 22
New York Post
 
"Magic assistant Patrick Ewing, disappointed he did not get an interview for the Knicks vacancy last summer, is hoping something works out this offseason. Ewing, the Knicks great who will be honored tomorrow night at the Garden along with other legends, has been an assistant for six seasons. "I hope so," Ewing told The Post last night before the Magic hosted the Knicks. "I think every assistant coach in this league would love to get an opportunity. Herb [Williams] would love to get some interviews, too. We're not in it just to be assistants our whole career. We would love to have the opportunity to be a head coach. Either him or myself hopefully will get an opportunity this summer." "I've ..."
Ewing Would Listen To Grunfeld's Pitch
Comment
March 14
Washington Post
 
"According to a blog post on the Orlando Sentinel Web site on Friday, former Georgetown star and current Magic assistant coach Patrick Ewing would be interested in interviewing for the Wizards' head coaching job after the season. Citing people close to Ewing, who served as an assistant with the Wizards during the 2002-03 season, Ewing would be "receptive" if President Ernie Grunfeld has interest in interviewing him. According to the Sentinel, Ewing will not publicly comment about specific jobs that might open after the season out of respect for those interim coaches currently coaching the teams. The Wizards are not expected to retain interim coach Ed Tapscott, who took over for Eddie ..."
A deal at trade deadline doubtful for Magic
Comment
February 19
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Neither Magic GM Otis Smith nor injured PG Jameer Nelson made the trip to New Orleans for the club's game against the Hornets on Wednesday night. Smith was hunkered down in Orlando monitoring the phones before today's 3 p.m. trade deadline. Smith has said as late as Tuesday night that he doesn't expect to make a move, but he will listen. "I know who our team is. I know what we have today," Smith said. "But you always have to listen and hear what's out there for you." Nelson is seeking another medical opinion on his dislocated shoulder, part of a rehab plan outlined a few weeks ago by his agent, Steve Mountain. Nelson said he has a "pretty good-sized tear" in the labrum in his right ..."
Nelson likely will have surgery
Comment
February 12
Florida Today
 
"Injured Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson still is gathering opinions as to whether or not he should undergo season-ending shoulder surgery. But Magic general manager Otis Smith has basically decided that the All-Star has played his last game this season. Nelson's finest season as a pro was interrupted on Feb. 2 because of a torn labrum in his right shoulder. Nelson has since sought second and third opinions from doctors and star players such as Miami's Dwyane Wade and Philadelphia's Elton Brand. The Magic are expected to announce next week that Nelson will undergo an arthroscopic surgery on his shoulder that will require six months of rehabilitation. Smith has allowed Nelson to seek other ..."
Magic needs point guard, but probably not Marbury
Comment
February 5
Newsday
 
"The Orlando Magic is suddenly in desperate need of a point guard and the Knicks have one. But it is not likely a Stephon Marbury-to-Disney scenario will unfold soon. All-Star guard Jameer Nelson may be out for the season with a torn labrum and Magic brass yesterday huddled to discuss their strategies. Marbury, who remains in exile and nowhere closer to a buyout of his $20.8-million contract than he was when talks initially began more than two months ago, would be a perfect fit if he were available. But the operative word here is "if." "The problem with Marbury is nothing can happen because he's got to get bought out first," said one NBA coach. "You can't trade for him because he's not even ..."
Thunder's Atkins remains interested in Magic
Comment
February 5
Rocky Mountain News
 
"When Orlando inquired in December about then-Nuggets point guard Chucky Atkins, he was intrigued by a possible deal. Atkins was dealt to Oklahoma City on Jan. 7. But he still has interest in going to the Magic, which could use a point guard because of Jameer Nelson's shoulder injury. "Of course," said Atkins, who lives in Orlando. "I'm a veteran guy. If I had an opportunity to win a championship, that's what every guy at this level wants to do. . . . But I'm not sitting here and saying I want to be moved . . . If it happens, it happens." In the deal for Atkins, the Nuggets got center Johan Petro. Petro had two points and four rebounds in seven minutes Wednesday against his old team, while ..."
Magic GM Smith says Celtics have not asked about a trade for Redick
Comment
January 14
Orlando Sentinel
 
"Magic GM Otis Smith said the reports coming out of Boston that the Celtics asked about acquiring SG J.J. Redick are not true. "Nope," Smith said. "I haven't talked to Danny [Ainge, the Celtics' General Manager/President of Basketball Operations], so I don't know how that can be out there. I can't remember the last time I've talked to him." Reports have said the Celtics offered the Magic F Bill Walker and G Gabe Pruitt for Redick, but that Orlando turned down the deal. Orlando has pulled off a deal before the NBA trading deadline in six of the past seven seasons (no trade in 2006-07.) Smith said it wouldn't surprise him if interest picks up for Redick. But he reiterated that he doesn't ..."
Van Gundy's job not a worry
Comment
December 15
Orlando Sentinel
 
"We're just six weeks into the NBA season, and five coaches already have been fired. What is this — hockey? The NHL traditionally has changed coaches early and often. Now basketball has the quick trigger finger. "It's just a matter of you don't know the date — and you can't worry about it," Orlando Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy said. "I think those guys who went didn't worry about it. You try to win games. And you realize that's the way it's going to go in this profession. "You just do your job and when the time comes ... somebody else will do your job." Van Gundy knows that there's likely an expiration on his stay in Orlando. He just doesn't know when he'll be excused by team President Bob ..."