Gilbert Arenas Trade to Magic Likely, Expected to Be in Orlando Soon

Magic general manager Otis Smith began this season thinking he had all the pieces to contend seriously for an NBA title.

He lost that belief two weeks ago, prompting trade talks to intensify with several teams, including the Washington Wizards for Gilbert Arenas.

Although Smith insisted that no deal was eminent Saturday morning, the trade of Arenas could come even before the Magic play the Philadelphia 76ers Saturday night and the Wizards play the Heat in Washington.

"Yes, we're having conversations with a few teams right now,'' Smith said Saturday morning after a Magic workout at the Amway Center. "We're having conversations about Gilbert with Washington. On a scale of 1-10, I'd say it's an eight.''

Smith would not comment on speculation that either Rashard Lewis or Vince Carter would be included in a trade for Arenas. Both practiced with the team Saturday morning. Arenas also was at the morning workout Saturday in Washington with the Wizards. Smith said he also had not talked with either of his players about a possible departure.

The Magic (16-9) started the season with a 15-4 record, but they have slumped recently, losing five of their last six. They lost three of four on their recent Western swing.

Smith also confirmed that he was having trade talks with the Phoenix about the potential return of Hedo Turkoglu, who played five seasons with the Magic, the best years of his career.

"I circled that West Coast trip long ago, to evaluate this team and where we are, and we have not played well,'' Smith said. "We have to decide whether to fix our woes, or continue down the same path. We're looking to get better.''

The Magic have struggled recently, primarily because their defense has worsened, and both Carter and Lewis have been disappointing, catching most of the blame.

Carter and Lewis, the team's two highest-paid players, are averaging 15.1 and 12.2 points, respectively. For Carter, it's the lowest average of his career. For Lewis, it's the lowest in the last 11 seasons. They will make a combined $37 million this season.

"Whatever happens, happens,'' Carter said after practice Saturday morning. "After 13 years in the league, I've heard all this talk before. It doesn't bother me. I don't let it bother me. I have a job to do, and that's play basketball. I don't know what's going to happen.''

Another the reason the Magic have struggled is that both of the off-season additions, point guard Chris Duhon and small forward Quentin Richardson, have struggled this season.

Arenas, averaging 17.3 points and unhappy in Washington, is making $17.7 million this season. He has three years and $60 million remaining on his contract. He and Smith are longtime friends, dating back to when both were in Golden State. He said he was not worried about some of his bizarre behavior in the past.

"I think I know him a little bit better than most,'' Smith said. "I know what he's about. I've always said that good people can make dumb decisions.''

A big reason the Magic are expected to make a trade soon is to make sure that center Dwight Howard stays happy. Howard can opt out of his contract after next season, and the Magic are adamant about being contenders immediately.

Howard, though, said he knows nothing about any possible trades.

"I'd like to see us trade some of our 'L's for some 'W's,' Howard said Saturday. "In the locker room, we haven't talked about it at all.''

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy, who was livid after their most recent loss in Denver, declined to comment on any trade speculation, although he did not think it had become a distraction to his players.

"If we had young guys, it would be a different story,'' Van Gundy said. "Most of our guys have been mentioned like this before. I don't think it has affected us. I don't think we have to do anything. Right now, we're not playing well enough, but that could change.''