Bob Young writes in the Arizona Republic that although forward Jud Buechler gives Orlando a valuable shooter, it's clear the Magic's motivation in this week's three team deal revolved around the salary-cap - and maybe more.

Orlando tried once before to lure Tim Duncan from San Antonio, and the Magic are positioning to make another run at Duncan in a couple of years. Buechler's contract will come off the books at the end of next season.

With Outlaw, the Magic had $6 million on the cap tied up for four years, counting this season. Now, Orlando has the ability to get anywhere from $13 million to $16 million below the cap in two years when Duncan and other free agents hit the market. But there may be more to it still.

NBA sources say there are rumblings within the league that Rich DeVos, who is chairman of the Magic's ownership group, is considering selling part or all of his stake in the team. Trimming fat from the payroll, then, would serve two purposes. The bottom line will look better to possible suitors.

And the prospect of being in position to go after a prized free agent such as Duncan has to be even more appealing to potential buyers.