Florida Today: Already locked in a heated free-agent contract battle with DeShawn Stevenson, the Orlando Magic could be headed toward another contentious negotiation with small forward Trevor Ariza.
Ariza, a 6-foot-8, 200-pound small forward, is garnering what his agent calls "substantial interest" from several NBA teams, making his return to the Magic anything but a guarantee.
Since Ariza is a restricted free agent, Orlando has the right to match any offer he receives. But Magic general manager Otis Smith continues to insist that he isn't about to overpay.
His play apparently didn't go unnoticed around the NBA. Ariza's agent, David Lee, said Denver, Houston, Sacramento and New York have expressed interest in offering Ariza a contract. Knicks general manager/coach Isiah Thomas also is a big fan and inquired Monday about Ariza's availability, Lee said.
If Ariza signs an offer sheet with a team, Orlando would have 10 days to match the offer or allow him to leave.
Ariza, who played for the NBA minimum last season, likely is seeking a deal worth more than $3 million a season.
