Jerry Brewer of the Orlando Sentinel reports: The Orlando Magic are no closer to signing free agent forward/center Keon Clark after a meeting between General Manager John Gabriel and Jim Mourer, Clark's agent.
Though Gabriel said the meeting went well, the same issues that make signing Clark such a long shot still exist.
It was originally thought that Clark would accompany Mourer to Orlando, but the 6-foot-11 former Magic draft pick did not visit. If talks progress and Clark grows more intrigued with the Magic, he will visit. The Magic hope that, at some point, they can bring him in for some wooing.
Mutual interest has caused the Magic to explore adding Clark to the roster. Clark, who averaged 11.3 points and 7.4 rebounds for Toronto last season, has said in the past that living where there is no state income tax is attractive to him. He is also said to be an avid golfer in the off-season. And the Magic play a faster style that could showcase his athleticism.
Still, he is expected to command the entire $4.545 million mid-level exception. Though the Magic have most of it to spend, they are dangerously close to the luxury tax, which is expected to kick in between $50 and $52 million this coming season. If a franchise's team salary is above that number, they will have to pay, dollar for dollar, the money over that amount they are. That's why signing Clark is so difficult.
"I think it's unlikely, but you've still got to explore," Gabriel said. "When players show interest, you have to kick open a door that's slightly cracked."
Clark has at least six serious suitors, including the Sacramento Kings, who are championship contenders.
To acquire Clark, the Magic would have to make a trade that might have to include Mike Miller to clear some room under the expected $50-52 million luxury tax freshold.