The Orlando Magic have made their second major trade of the afternoon. As Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reports, via Twitter, Orlando has agreed to send Rashard Lewis to the Washington Wizards for Gilbert Arenas. Orlando Pinstriped Post reported exclusively last night that Lewis would head to D.C. in a proposed deal for Arenas, whose reign as the Wizards' franchise player is officially at an end.
Despite acquiring a trio of players from the Phoenix Suns earlier today, the Magic have yet to formally announce either deal, but that's simply a matter of time. Orlando has decided to make a drastic early-season shakeup, hoping an infusion of newcomers can boost it back to near the top of the league.
Lewis took to Twitter to thank Magic fans for their support:
Yo boy off to DC it was fun playing in Orlando had a great time trying to win it all got close but not close enough but it's been real.
This series of moves leaves the Magic extremely shorthanded for tonight's game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Vince Carter, Marcin Gortat, Lewis, and Mickael Pietrus have all been traded, while Ryan Anderson and Daniel Orton are injured. As such, Orlando will only dress eight players, and its bench will consist of veteran point guards Jason Williams and Chris Duhon, as well as veteran big man Malik Allen.