ducks
07-07-2005, 03:27 PM
Agent: Magic show no interest in Daniels
Big, defensive-minded point guard Antonio Daniels wants the entire $5 million exception.
By Brian Schmitz
Sentinel Staff Writer
July 7, 2005
The Orlando Magic are looking to sign a point guard, just as they were two years ago. Antonio Daniels is available, just as he was two years ago.
But it appears the outcome will be the same -- no Daniels in the Magic's backcourt.
Daniels is considered one of the top free-agent point guards and is in demand. But his agent said the Magic haven't called and he doesn't expect them to.
"I haven't heard from the Magic. We've talked to about 15 teams . . . but not them," said Tony Dutt, Daniels' agent, on Wednesday. "My gut is that it's not going to happen."
Dutt said Daniels wanted to sign with the Magic two years ago and felt the feeling was mutual. But the Magic wound up signing Tyronn Lue instead, and Daniels signed a two-year deal with Seattle.
This summer, the Magic again were believed to be interested in Daniels, a big (6 feet 4), defensive-minded guard. He averaged 11.2 points and 4.1 assists last season for the Sonics, playing behind Luke Ridnour.
"Orlando was his first choice last time," Dutt said by phone. "I sold them really hard on Antonio, but they ended up signing Tyronn Lue. . . . After a while, you get kind of burnt out after trying to sell a guy."
Dutt said the Magic might not be willing to give Daniels, 30, the entire mid-level exception. The exception starts at about $5 million a season and can extend to five years.
Magic Assistant General Manager Dave Twardzik says the club will not comment on its "free-agent process" -- or on much of anything.
Although backups last season, Daniels and Memphis' Earl Watson are perhaps the most-coveted unrestricted free-agent point guards. Watson has changed agents and couldn't be reached for comment.
The Magic have made contact with power forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim, agent Aaron Goodwin said. Goodwin told the Sentinel a visit to Orlando by Abdur-Rahim "has not been discussed at this time."
Abdur-Rahim was scheduled to meet with Nets officials in New Jersey for two days, beginning Wednesday, the New York Daily News reported.
Brian Schmitz can be reached at [email protected].
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-sptmagic07070705jul07,0,4516409,print.story?coll=o rl-sports-headlines
Big, defensive-minded point guard Antonio Daniels wants the entire $5 million exception.
By Brian Schmitz
Sentinel Staff Writer
July 7, 2005
The Orlando Magic are looking to sign a point guard, just as they were two years ago. Antonio Daniels is available, just as he was two years ago.
But it appears the outcome will be the same -- no Daniels in the Magic's backcourt.
Daniels is considered one of the top free-agent point guards and is in demand. But his agent said the Magic haven't called and he doesn't expect them to.
"I haven't heard from the Magic. We've talked to about 15 teams . . . but not them," said Tony Dutt, Daniels' agent, on Wednesday. "My gut is that it's not going to happen."
Dutt said Daniels wanted to sign with the Magic two years ago and felt the feeling was mutual. But the Magic wound up signing Tyronn Lue instead, and Daniels signed a two-year deal with Seattle.
This summer, the Magic again were believed to be interested in Daniels, a big (6 feet 4), defensive-minded guard. He averaged 11.2 points and 4.1 assists last season for the Sonics, playing behind Luke Ridnour.
"Orlando was his first choice last time," Dutt said by phone. "I sold them really hard on Antonio, but they ended up signing Tyronn Lue. . . . After a while, you get kind of burnt out after trying to sell a guy."
Dutt said the Magic might not be willing to give Daniels, 30, the entire mid-level exception. The exception starts at about $5 million a season and can extend to five years.
Magic Assistant General Manager Dave Twardzik says the club will not comment on its "free-agent process" -- or on much of anything.
Although backups last season, Daniels and Memphis' Earl Watson are perhaps the most-coveted unrestricted free-agent point guards. Watson has changed agents and couldn't be reached for comment.
The Magic have made contact with power forward Shareef Abdur-Rahim, agent Aaron Goodwin said. Goodwin told the Sentinel a visit to Orlando by Abdur-Rahim "has not been discussed at this time."
Abdur-Rahim was scheduled to meet with Nets officials in New Jersey for two days, beginning Wednesday, the New York Daily News reported.
Brian Schmitz can be reached at [email protected].
http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orl-sptmagic07070705jul07,0,4516409,print.story?coll=o rl-sports-headlines