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Posted on Fri, Jul. 23, 2004
Mavs, Magic talk trade
By Art Garcia
Star-Telegram Staff Writer
The Mavericks and Orlando are discussing a multiplayer deal that would include Magic power forward Drew Gooden, according to an NBA source. The Mavs' package would likely involve Jerry Stackhouse or Christian Laettner, both acquired in a trade with Washington last month.
Gooden, the fourth pick of the 2002 draft out of Kansas, has averaged 12.0 points and 6.5 rebounds over two seasons. Set to earn $3.2 million this season, Gooden began his career with Memphis before being traded midway through his rookie year.
Laettner, in the last year of his contract at $6.2 million, would provide salary-cap relief for the Magic after this season. Stackhouse, with three contract years remaining at $22.5 million, would give Orlando another scorer to team with newly acquired guard Steve Francis.
For the salaries to work in the proposed trade, the Magic would probably need to include veteran center Andrew DeClercq, who makes $2.8 million. Cleveland, Minnesota and Golden State reportedly also have shown interest in Gooden.
The Mavs also have discussed a sign-and-trade deal for Boston center Chris Mihm, a restricted free agent, but the deal appears unlikely because of salaries.
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