Salary Cap Could Keep Magic From Deal With Taylor

Despite reports to the contrary, free-agent Clipper forward Maurice Taylor is “unlikely” to sign with the Orlando Magic, a Magic official said Wednesday.

After its high-profile pursuit of free agents Grant Hill and Tracy McGrady, both of whom have said they will sign deals with the team, the Magic is handicapped by salary-cap restrictions.

Taylor, however, told the Orange County Register that he plans to sign with the Magic once the signing period begins Tuesday.

“That’s where I’m going,” Taylor was quoted as saying. “It’s a good situation with the players they have and the organization. There are just a few technicalities that need to be taken care of.

“Orlando was always my first choice. Most definitely. I’m very excited. We’ll have one of the better teams in the East.”

The Clippers declined comment.

Meanwhile, the Orlando Sentinel reported that the Magic is expected to re-sign Bo Outlaw, its starting small forward the last two seasons, and move him to power forward.

The Magic also has not given up on re-signing Ben Wallace, its best rebounder last season, though Wallace has verbally accepted a six-year deal worth $30 million from the Detroit Pistons.

Taylor, who had been seeking a six-year extension from the Clippers for the maximum $67 million, is thought to be out of the Magic’s price range unless he has drastically reduced his demands.

“We’d love to have him,” Magic General Manager John Gabriel told the Sentinel on Wednesday. “I heard what he had to say about us. He’s an outstanding player. I guess anything is possible.”