Jul 11, 2007, 16:50 GMT
Orlando, FL - The Orlando Magic have landed one of the top members of this year's free-agent class in forward Rashard Lewis, who was acquired from the Seattle SuperSonics in a sign-and-trade deal on Wednesday.
Lewis was dealt in exchange for a future conditional second-round draft pick, according to Orlando general manager Otis Smith. Per team policy, financial terms of the deal were not disclosed, though a report in the Seattle Times last Tuesday said Lewis had agreed to a five-year, $75 million contract.
'Rashard is a young, athletic forward and a proven scorer in this league,' said Smith. 'We feel his skills will be a tremendous addition to our team and we are very excited to have him join the Magic family.'
The six-foot, 10-inch Lewis, who turns 28 next month, averaged a career-high 22.4 points per game last season, and pulled down an average of 6.6 rebounds per game. He has averaged 16.6 points and 5.8 rebounds per game for his career.
Lewis, who turned pro after his senior year of high school and was a second-round selection by Seattle in the 1998 NBA Draft, was likely considered expendable by the Sonics after their selection of University of Texas phenom Kevin Durant, the number two overall pick in last week's draft, and the acquisition of Georgetown's Jeff Green, selected fifth overall by Boston.
© 2007 The Sports Network
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