MAGIC REACH DEAL WITH FORMER KNICKS PG CHRIS DUHON
By ANTONIO GONZALEZ, Associated Press Writer
ORLANDO, Fla. (AP)The Orlando Magic tried to sign Chris Duhon(notes) in free agency two years ago only to watch him go to New York.
They finally got their man Tuesday.
Duhon reached an agreement with the Magic for a $15 million, four-year deal, his agent said. Teams cant officially sign free agents until Thursday.
Agent Kevin Bradbury told The Associated Press that the chance to play for a championship contender was enough to sway Duhon to the Magic this time. Duhon fills a much-needed role behind starter Jameer Nelson(notes) and could step into the starting spot should an injury occur.
The last time Chris was a free agent, the Magic obviously pursued him hard, Bradbury said. Chris didnt forget that, and he has a lot of respect for that team. The Magic called right away.
ESPN.com first reported the deal.
Duhon spent the last two years starting for the New York Knicks, never really living up to expectations and falling out of favor with coach Mike DAntoni. He averaged 7.4 points and 5.6 assists per game last season.
Duhons first four seasons came with the Chicago Bulls, who drafted him in 2004. The Magic tried to sign Duhon in 2008 before he went to New York.
Magic general manager Otis Smith said the Knicks offer back thena two-year deal worth more than $11 millionwas more than he was willing to spend. Even though he had little success with the Knicks, Smith said playing with All-Star center Dwight Howard(notes) should open up Duhons game.
I think if maybe he had to do it over again, it may be a different situation, Smith said. And here we are two years later and him having to do it all over again, and he still fits as well as he did before.
I think our style of play will help him. Were not really that different (from New York). But the difference here is he has the big fella inside to help him out.
The former Duke standout could also reunite with J.J. Redick(notes), a restricted free agent who Orlando is hoping to retain. The Magic, who will be over the luxury tax for the second straight season, have little wiggle room in free agency.
Nelson is the only point guard currently on the Magics roster. Last years reserves, Jason Williams(notes) and Anthony Johnson(notes), are free agents.
That makes Duhons signing all the more important in a thin year for free agent point guards.
Nelson also has had repeated injuriesa tear in his right shoulder sidelined him for most of the 2009 season, and torn cartilage in his left knee put him on the bench for about two months last yearthat puts added pressure to have a reliable backup.
Duhon was willing to accept a reserve role to come to Orlando, which went to the NBA finals in 2009 and the Eastern Conference finals this year. Hes friends with Nelson and Howard, among others, and his agent believes Duhon will make a smooth transition.
It was a great experience in New York, Bradbury said, but now Chris has a great chance on a great Orlando team.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=ap-magic-duhon
