Artest, Harrington, Bender, and Tinsley for McGrady & Howard.
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http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/basketball/magic/orl- sptmagic17061704jun17,1,546284
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Orlando Magic owner Rich DeVos says he expects to meet with his frustrated superstar, Tracy McGrady, tonight or Friday to "see where Tracy's heart is."
And DeVos hopes it is in the right place: Orlando.
"I'll find out when I get through [talking with McGrady]," DeVos told the Sentinel on Wednesday from his home near Grand Rapids, Mich.
"I like the kid, and I hope he stays. But if he wants to stay, I want him to say it wholeheartedly."
Although a report has surfaced that the team is listening to trade offers, McGrady says he will go into the meeting with DeVos with "an open mind," even if most signs have pointed to his departure.
DeVos reiterated what Magic President Bob Vander Weide said last week: If McGrady doesn't want to be with the Magic, then the club will, grudgingly, be forced to trade him to receive some sort of compensation before he leaves as a free agent after the coming season.
According to Indiana Pacers chief executive officer Donnie Walsh and various sources, the Magic have, not surprisingly, laid the groundwork and explored trade possibilities involving McGrady.
"I have spoken to somebody in their organization, and I sensed there was interest there," Walsh told the Indianapolis Star in Wednesday's editions. "What they're telling me is, there's a good chance he's going to be traded. So, yeah, a player like that out there, we're definitely going to be interested."
Magic General Manager John Weisbrod declined to comment.
McGrady's Los Angeles-based agent, Arn Tellem, did not return a phone message.
McGrady has said he might have to ask for a trade to a playoff-type team if it appears the Magic will be rebuilding. He can opt out of his seven-year, $93Æ’|million contract after next season, but the Magic want him to confirm his intentions before the draft next Thursday.
"I want to ask Tracy what's going on in this period of his life," DeVos said. "I'm not going to try to change his mind. I just want to make sure that it's clear ... see what obstacles he thinks there are and what problems we can help him with.
"We're dealing with human beings here, not racehorses."
Various player agents say the Magic's asking price for T-Mac is exceptionally high and that they have focused on two or three teams that could deliver a package of players.
The Indiana Pacers, Houston Rockets and Phoenix Suns -- all teams with one outstanding young big man -- have expressed interest in adding McGrady.
According to one source, the Magic have asked the Pacers for as many as four players -- Ron Artest, Al Harrington, Jamaal Tinsley and Jonathan Bender -- in exchange for McGrady. To make it fit under salary-cap rules, the Magic would have to send at least one other player, likely Juwan Howard.
Walsh told the Indianapolis Star that only star power forward Jermaine O'Neal was untouchable.
Sources say the Magic have asked the Rockets to send back Steve Francis, Cuttino Mobley and Kelvin Cato, which would give them a new starting backcourt and a big man. Those sources also indicate the Phoenix Suns might be in the mix, talking with Orlando about acquiring Shawn Marion, Joe Johnson and center Jake Voskuhl for McGrady.
It's unlikely that any team would trade for McGrady unless he agrees to a contract extension, which gives him considerable leverage in where he could be traded.
Dealing McGrady might require a team to practically gut its lineup, but some might be willing if it meant adding a superstar who would make them title contenders. He was named to the All-NBA first team in both 2002 and 2003, holds two scoring titles and is recognized widely as one of the league's five best players.
In Indiana, McGrady would be an excellent match with good friend O'Neal. In Houston, he would be a perfect complement to Chinese center Yao Ming. In Phoenix, he would team with forward Amare Stoudemire, also a Central Florida native.
Even if McGrady indicates he wants out of Orlando, it might take a while to make a deal before next season.
"The Magic won't make a deal now unless it's really a great one for them," said one NBA source. "I don't think they have to just yet. They might not do anything because they won't get anyone back as good as he is."
The McGrady saga -- one way or another -- is nearing its climax.
"I'm an optimist," DeVos laughed. "I still think Grant Hill is coming back and will play great."
