Orlando Lands Rashard

Magic nab 2007's biggest free agent early with 24-hour blitz
By Jesse Andrews,  Newser Staff
Posted Jul 4, 2007 5:23 AM CDT
Orlando Lands Rashard
Seattle SuperSonics' Reggie Evans, right, teases teammate Rashard Lewis as Lewis begins a television interview in a Sunday, April 6, 2003 photo, in Seattle. Lewis' agent said Friday night that the SuperSonics' longest-tenured player and second-leading scorer had officially opted out of the final two...   (Associated Press)

The Sonics lost their second marquee player of the offseason when the Magic signed Rashard Lewis to what is thought to be $75-85 million over five seasons, the maximum allowed. The 6-10 forward averaged over 22 points per game last season, second on the team to Ray Allen, who was traded to the Celtics on draft day.

Lewis was the most coveted free agent of the offseason, and his outside shooting is expected to benefit the intimidating post presence of Orlando's Dwight Howard, who helped fling woo at the forward in his first 24 hours of eligibility. Lewis's contract may complicate the resigning of broody forward Darko Milicic and wiry scorer Grant Hill. (More NBA stories.)

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