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Orlando poised to sign free agent Lewis from Seattle

(Reuters)
Updated: 2007-07-04 13:30

NEW YORK - The Orlando Magic are poised to snap up Seattle SuperSonics forward Rashard Lewis after reaching an agreement on a long-term contract with one of the NBA's most sought-after free agents.

The player's agent Tony Dutt confirmed on Tuesday that Lewis, who has played his entire career with the SuperSonics, had decided on the Magic after visiting with team officials a day earlier.

"Yes, we've agreed, absolutely," Dutt told reporters. "We think it's a perfect place to win a championship."

The SuperSonics have the right to match Orlando's five-year offer, but sources said the teams were holding discussions over a sign-and-trade deal that would allow the 27-year-old small forward to get a sixth year on his deal.

The agreement would also allow Orlando to clear some salary space to help them keep free agent Darko Milicic and give some compensation to Seattle.

Dutt said the driving force behind the decision was Lewis's desire to play with Magic big man Dwight Howard.