Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Antonio Daniels could be in the mix if team decides to sign another point guard

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November 19

Orlando Sentinel

"The agent for PG Antonio Daniels told the Sentinel on Wednesday that he spoke with the Magic about signing Daniels in the aftermath of an injury to starter Jameer Nelson. Tony Dutt, who represents Daniels and Rashard Lewis, said he talked to Magic GM Otis Smith, but said Smith isn't ready to make a move yet. The Magic said that Nelson underwent successful surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus in his left knee Wednesday morning. He is expected to miss four to six weeks. "I talked to Otis about Antonio after Jameer got hurt. But I think they are going to wait a few days if they do anything," Dutt said by phone. Dutt said that the Magic could sign Daniels, 34, to a non-guaranteed ..."

Magic's Jameer Nelson to have knee surgery

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November 18

Orlando Sentinel

"Jason Williams turns 34 today and was retired at this time last season. But the Orlando Magic will be asking more from the veteran point guard out of the University of Florida after learning on Tuesday that all-star Jameer Nelson will be out four to six weeks with a knee injury. The club said that Nelson will undergo arthroscopic surgery today to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. After enduring injuries, illnesses and Rashard Lewis' suspension since training camp, the Magic figured their luck had changed until Nelson's injury caught them by surprise. He apparently was hurt during the fourth quarter of the Magic's 97-91 victory against the Charlotte Bobcats on Monday night. Williams, ..."

Vince Carter could return tonight

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November 10

Orlando Sentinel

"Even if Vince Carter and all the points he brings returns to the lineup tonight, the big early-season issue for the Orlando Magic isn't offense. Not the way Coach Stan Van Gundy sees it. And he's seeing red. "We are one of the worst defensive teams in the league," he snarled after the Magic were upset by the Oklahoma City Thunder, 102-74, on Sunday. Carter, who has missed the last four games with a sprained left ankle, could be back against the Charlotte Bobcats. The shorthanded team is hopeful after Carter went throughportions of the team's practice on Monday, although next-day soreness is always a concern. Carter or no Carter, Van Gundy believes it is time for the Magic to stop depending ..."

Ryan Anderson will get an MRI on right ankle Saturday morning

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November 7

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic power forward Ryan Anderson walked out of the Magic locker room, sullenly, on crutches, his right foot lifted from the ground. "I'm getting an MRI in the morning," Anderson said as he left. His ankle and part of his foot were wrapped. Anderson sprained his right ankle in the third quarter of the Magic's 110-103 win over the Detroit Pistons. He didn't return to the game. Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy didn't know much about the injury, but said Anderson's ankle is sprained, not broken."

Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy says Rashard Lewis will start immediately after his suspension

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November 6

Orlando Sentinel

"Magic Coach Stan Van Gundy said on Thursday --- an off-day for his team --- that he will start suspended forward Rashard Lewis the very game he becomes eligible. There'll be no easing Lewis into the lineup. Lewis, suspended by the league for the first 10 games of the season for taking a banned supplement, can play on Nov. 16 against the Charlotte Bobcats at home. "I'm starting him the first game --- for who, I don't know," Van Gundy said. "It's like when we got Rafer (Alston) at midseason last year. When you know a guy is going to be there long term, you don't mess around.""

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy doesn't expect him to play vs. Pistons

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November 6

Orlando Sentinel

"Orlando Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said he doesn't expect to have SG Vince Carter (sprained left ankle) available Friday night against the Pistons. Carter sat out Wednesday night's game against the Phoenix Suns. Carter reinjured the ankle on Tuesday night against Detroit in Auburn Hills, Mich, and Van Gundy is second-guessing himself on whether he should have played him. "We probably shouldn't have played him in Detroit, but Vince said he wanted to go," Van Gundy said."We'd probably would have been better off sitting him." Carter originally injured the ankle last Friday night in New Jersey against the Nets."

Orlando Magic backup Adonal Foyle has knee surgery

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October 22

Orlando Sentinel

"Adonal Foyle underwent arthroscopic surgery on his sore right knee Wednesday morning, Orlando Magic officials said. Foyle, 34, hasn't played in any of the Magic's exhibitions this preseason and participated in just a few practices since Sept. 29 because of the knee, which he injured about three weeks before training camp started. Magic GM Otis Smith said that the Magic will not sign a new player to take Foyle's place on the roster. Even if healthy, Foyle wouldn't figure to get much playing time this season. Dwight Howard and Marcin Gortat are the team's first- and second-string centers, respectively, and PF Brandon Bass can play center. Team officials said Foyle's return will depend on how ..."

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy won't follow Mike D'Antoni's lead and abolish the shootaround

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October 20

Orlando Sentinel

"Mike D'Antoni accomplished something radical in his first season as coach of the New York Knicks. He scrapped the Knicks' plodding offense in favor of an up-tempo system that fans actually enjoy watching. Now, D'Antoni is challenging the status quo once again -- not just for the Knicks, but for the entire NBA. D'Antoni has announced that his team won't hold morning shootarounds for home games this season. Instead of going to the Knicks' practice facility at 10 a.m. on game days, Knicks players will be required to arrive at Madison Square Garden by 3:30 p.m. for a 7:30 tip-off. Over those four hours at the arena, players will prepare for that night's opponent and eat a pregame meal ..."

Magic give Van Gundy, Smith extensions

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September 29

Orlando Sentinel

"After reaching the Finals last season for the first time since 1995, the Orlando Magic have rewarded Coach Stan Van Gundy and General Manager Otis Smith with contract extensions, the Orlando Sentinel has learned. The team picked up the options of both Van Gundy and Smith for another year, extending Van Gundy through the 2010-11 season and Smith through 2011-2012. The Sentinel first reported in January that the Magic were open to giving Van Gundy an extension this summer. His deal was set to expire after this season, although the team held an option for the 2010-11 season."

Magic sign former Gator Jason Williams

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August 19

Florida Today

"The Orlando Magic have signed free agent guard Jason Williams, General Manager Otis Smith announced today. Per team policy, terms of the deal are not disclosed. "Jason (Williams) provides depth and leadership to our backcourt," said Smith. "He is a veteran point guard that knows what it takes to help us reach our ultimate goal. We are excited to add him to our team." Williams (6-foot-1, 190 pounds) did not play during the 2008-09 season after announcing his retirement on Sept. 26, 2008. He last played in 67 games during the 2007-08 campaign with Miami, averaging 8.8 ppg., 4.6 apg., 1.9 rpg. and 1.24 stlpg. in 28.1 minpg."

Source says Warriors point guard Watson will sign Magic offer sheet

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July 21

Contra Costa Times

"Warriors third-year point guard C.J. Watson is close to signing an offer sheet with the Orlando Magic, according to a source close to negotiations. Representatives for Watson - who already has turned down a one-year, $2.3 million offer from the Philadelphia 76ers - spent Monday trying to hammer out a deal with the Magic. Watson is hoping for a three-year deal. Because he is a restricted free agent, the Warriors have the right to match any offer Watson signs though they are over the salary cap limit. Doing so, however, would put the Warriors in an odd situation. Warriors general manager Larry Riley has said all along he's a fan of Watson, who went from NBA Development League call-up to ..."

Magic eyeing free agent C.J. Watson

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July 19

Orlando Sentinel

"The Orlando Magic could be making progress in their search for another backup to starting point guard Jameer Nelson. The Web site Fanhouse.com is reporting that the Magic are "close" to signing restricted free agent C.J. Watson to an offer sheet. Watson averaged 9.5 points and 2.7 assists per game and made 40 percent of his 3-point attempts last season for the Golden State Warriors. The Warriors would have seven days to match any offer sheet Watson signs with the Magic. Orlando General Manager Otis Smith declined to comment about Watson or any other potential free-agent signings when reached by phone Saturday by the Orlando Sentinel. If signed by the Magic, the 25-year-old Watson could ..."

Magic to match offer sheet to retain center Marcin Gortat

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July 13

Orlando Sentinel

"An NBA source has told the Orlando Sentinel that the Orlando Magic will match the five-year, $34-million offer sheet extended by the Dallas Mavericks to Marcin Gortat and thus retain him. The team would not be able to trade him until Dec. 15, at the earliest, if that's what the team wants to do."

Brandon Bass will help, but Orlando Magic still looking for backup center

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July 13

Orlando Sentinel

"By signing Brandon Bass on Friday to a four-year, $18 million deal, the Orlando Magic acquired one of their top targets this free-agency period, a young power forward who can rebound, shoot effectively and run the floor. But the Magic still have work to do on their front line especially if, as expected, they don't match the Dallas Mavericks' five-year, $34 million offer sheet to restricted free agent Marcin Gortat. When and if Gortat is allowed to leave for Texas, the Magic will need someone who can spell Dwight Howard at center during games and man the position if Howard gets hurt. After all, that was the role that made Gortat so valuable during the Magic's run to the NBA Finals. "It's ..."

Dallas Mavericks lose Bass to Orlando, likely lock up Gortat

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July 11

Dallas Morning News

"Brandon Bass got his deal, and the Mavericks will probably get their big man at least partially because of Bass' departure. Bass agreed to sign a free-agent contract with the Orlando Magic that will start at more than $4 million next season, his agent said. Bass had two productive years for the Mavericks that he parlayed into a four-year deal with the Magic. The Mavericks stepped aside in negotiations for Bass, allowing him to sign with the Magic. His presence with the Magic virtually guarantees that Marcin Gortat will be a Maverick. He signed an offer sheet starting at $5.854 million with the Mavericks, and Orlando has until next week to match the offer. But with the Magic already ..."

Magic sit tight as free agents cash in around the NBA

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July 9

Orlando Sentinel

"While watching summer-league action at RDV Sportsplex, Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard yelled at Marcin Gortat, joking, "Hey, get out of here. You don't want to play for the Magic anymore." Gortat had just returned from a meeting with Magic General Manager Otis Smith and Gortat's agent, Guy Zucker, to discuss the offer sheet he signed with the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, the first day that NBA free agents can officially sign contracts with their new teams. "Five years, $34 million," Gortat said, so happy with the Mavs' offer that he broke an unwritten rule among players who never divulge the count and the amount. Gortat wasn't the only player who is singing, "We're In the Money." ..."

Magic will make Mavs wait for Marcin Gortat

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July 8

Dallas Morning News

"Orlando isn't expected to match the Mavs' midlevel offer to Marcin Gortat, who didn't get many minutes behind Dwight Howard. But the Magic plans to take the full week allowed to mull the decision, GM Otis Smith told Florida Today's John Denton. "Sure, sure I will," Smith said when asked if he would wait the maximum seven days before reaching a decision on whether to match Gortat's contract offer. "The market will dictate what happens. There will be guys who go early and guys who go late. I know there are not a lot of teams spending the mid-level and they certainly aren't spending it all on one guy. Some teams are aggressive and some of us are waiting." The Magic and Mavs are also among the ..."

Magic GM will take his time with Gortat

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July 8

Florida Today

"Admittedly nervous as the start of the NBA's free-agent signing period was about to begin, Marcin Gortat planned to ink his five-year, approximately $33 million offer sheet from the Dallas Mavericks just after midnight. The full consummation of the deal, however, could take as much as a week as Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith mulls whether to match the deal. Because Gortat is a restricted free agent, the Magic have the right to match any offer sheet and retain their blossoming 6-foot-11, 260-pound center. The likelihood is the Magic won't pay $30-plus million to a reserve who backs up their best player (Dwight Howard). But Smith will make Gortat wait for his Dallas deal to become ..."

Gortat is ready to cash in Cuban's millions, and Otis Smith does not mind

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July 7

Orlando Sentinel

"Marcin Gortat walked into the Orlando Magic's gym at RDV Sportsplex on Monday wearing a piece of clothing that perfectly summed up his current situation. The front of his Sean John T-shirt featured the unfinished pyramid that's found on the back of a one-dollar bill. Gortat insisted that he didn't wear the shirt to make a statement, but even he acknowledged the unintended irony. On Wednesday, the first day players can sign contracts with new teams, the Dallas Mavericks are expected to ink the 6-foot-11 post player to an offer sheet so lucrative — worth so many of those dollar bills — that the Magic won't dare match it. "Either way, Dallas or Orlando, I'm going to be a happy man," Gortat ..."

Magic GM downplays interest in Big Baby

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July 7

Boston Herald

"It could take time before the Celtics and Glen Davis reach agreement on a new contract, as the restricted free agent continues to monitor what has historically been a late developing part of the free agent market. Though Otis Smith may have been attempting to deflect attention from his true interest, the Orlando general manager - said to be interested in the young power forward - downplayed the Big Baby factor last night. "Not today," Smith said of whether Davis was one of his priorities. "I think we like who we like, and you can't make us like who we don't like. We just have a tendency to like who we like, like every franchise does." Dallas, another team said to have an interest, was ..."

Cavaliers one of several teams considering Channing Frye

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July 7

Cleveland Plain Dealer

"Wednesday is the first day free agents can sign with NBA teams. The Cavaliers may not have any deals on that day, but they are getting closer as they continue to narrow their focus. After making a free-agent scouting trip to Los Angeles on Sunday, Cavs GM Danny Ferry came home and hosted free-agent power forward Channing Frye on Monday at the team's practice facility in Independence. Frye is the type of "stretch" forward the Cavs are interested in during the free-agent period as they look to find big men who can hit jumpers when teams collapse on LeBron James and center Shaquille O'Neal. At this point, the Cavs are looking at several power forwards in addition to Frye. One, of course, is ..."

Otis: Magic will not participate in Hedo sign-and-trade with Raptors

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July 5

Orlando Sentinel

"NBA teams can start signing free agents such as Hedo Turkoglu on Wednesday, but there's no shot-clock on how long the courting period can last this summer. Clubs can take up until the start of the season, actually, to sign players. And while the Orlando Magic do not figure to take that long in filling out their roster, the process might take some time as they hunt for bargains in a cost-cautious market. The Magic are braced to lose Turkoglu, the 6-10 small forward who apparently --- and we now stress apparently --- has agreed to sign with the Toronto Raptors after jilting the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday. Various media outlets had reported that Turk had agreed to sign with the Trail ..."

Magic contact Wallace's agent; likely won't re-sign Gortat

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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June 25

The Times of Trenton

"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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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?

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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

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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. ..."

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