Barring a medical miracle -- and they haven't witnessed any yet -- the Orlando Magic said Wednesday that they expect Grant Hill to miss the 2003-04 NBA season.

The surest indication that the Magic are preparing for Hill to sit out the season: the club will seek salary-cap relief from the NBA by applying for the disabled player's exception.

The Magic have until Oct. 1 to apply for the medical exception, worth $4.8 million, but likely will make their request soon. They want to have the money available for this summer's free-agent recruiting period, which begins July 1.

Magic General Manager John Gabriel said Wednesday it was "likely" that Hill "will never play this coming season."

Gabriel said Hill, a former six-time all-star, has no intention to retire. Hill is recovering from his fourth -- and most extensive -- surgery, performed in mid-March on his troublesome left ankle.

Gabriel was reluctant to comment further, largely because no announcement from Hill has been made.