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| Gilbert Arenas |
Rumors are flying around the internet today that the Orlando Magic are close to acquiring former All-Star Gilbert Arenas from the Washington Wizards in a package that would likely send Rashard Lewis to the nations capital. If Arenas is able to gain his old form, he could instantly form one of the most talented 1-2 punches alongside center Dwight Howard.
Orlando, losers of 5 of their last 6, also reportedly are making another major move to retool their roster, trading Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus and a 2011 first-round pick to the Suns in exchange for former Magic star Hedo Turkoglu, along with Jason Richardson and Earl Clark and cash.
More details to come as the news unfolds...
UPDATE:
It was finally announced this afternoon that both trades have been completed. So it looks as if the Magic will be bringing in 4 legitimate new players to compete with Miami and Boston for the best team in the East. There is some risk here, namely Arenas' back-loaded contract which still guarantees him about $60 million over the next few years. The other risk comes with determining the starting lineup and keeping egos in check. Obviously, either Arenas, Turkoglu or Richardson has to come off the bench since coach Stan Van Gundy has already said that Jameer Nelson will not come off the bench as a result of the new roster.
If everything goes as planned, and some of the pressure is taken off Dwight Howard, the Magic could instantly become a more legitimate contender in the East, as neither Boston nor Miami have the interior athleticism to match up with 'Superman' if they can't but two bodies on him.
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