Kennedy: Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards Close to Trading Rashard Lewis for Gilbert Arenas, and More Magic Moves Potentially on the Way

The Orlando Magic may announce a trade of Rashard Lewis to the Washington Wizards for Gilbert Arenas as soon as Saturday, Alex Kennedy of HOOPSWORLD reports, culminating a wild Friday night as rumors about the Magic's interest in the veteran shooting guard kicked into the highest of gears; please see the first two posts on the subject here and here.

Further, Kennedy says Magic franchise center Dwight Howard is pushing the team to make a deal, and Orlando continues to shop a package of swingman Vince Carter and backup center Marcin Gortat elsewhere around the league. From Kennedy's report:

One league source believes the roster changes in Orlando are being made to appease Dwight Howard, who hasn't been in a rush to sign a contract extension with the organization. Howard could opt out of his contract after next season and the Magic will do whatever it takes to keep their franchise player happy.

"I think they know they have to make a play since Dwight will be a free agent soon," said one source.

Kennedy says Orlando has engaged teams including the Denver Nuggets, Phoenix Suns, and Portland Trail Blazers to make a second deal, perhaps involving the aforementioned package of Carter and Gortat. Among the players discussed is Phoenix forward Hedo Turkoglu, who spent five seasons with Orlando, only to sign with the Toronto Raptors in the 2009 free-agency period. "Lon Babby, the president of basketball operations in Phoenix, allegedly didn't make the trip to Dallas recently so that he could continue working the phones," according to Kennedy.

Andrew Melnick of Howard the Dunk, citing a source, also says Howard is driving the Magic's desire to make a trade.