After sifting through minor-league rosters and lists of unemployed players across the country, the Orlando Magic may have come to the conclusion that their best chance to find immediate help was sitting right under their noses.

And they won't have to pay any moving expenses.

Dee Brown, who took a Magic front-office position when he retired in August, is close to signing a 10-day contract to fill the roster spot left open when Mike Miller was placed on the injured list Sunday.

"It didn't shock me that they asked. They need a veteran guard who can help right away -- and there's one right down the hall," Brown said Monday afternoon. "I'm healthier than I've been in years. I've stayed in shape. Physically, it would be no problem."

Brown, 33, played in the final seven regular-season games for the Magic last season after tearing a quadriceps tendon during training camp. He also missed the last playoff game after the league suspended him for coming off the bench during a scuffle in Game 3 of the Magic's first-round loss to Milwaukee.

Although he doesn't have the athleticism or young legs the Magic could find elsewhere, he still can make the 3-point shot and he already knows the offense.

"Right now we want to win games. We're not trying to develop a player there," said General Manager John Gabriel, who declined to comment specifically on Brown or anyone else the team is considering signing. "We're leaning toward a veteran. Hopefully, we'll make a decision [today]."

The Magic also have talked with free agent Chris Mullin, 38, who played with Golden State last season.

The Magic have been without Miller since Friday's 99-96 victory against Washington, when he sprained his left ankle, which was complicated by a deep bone bruise. He is expected to be out two-to-three weeks. In his absence, the Magic are starting veteran Monty Williams, but they are looking for some depth in the backcourt.

Because Brown was not waived by another NBA team this season, he also would be eligible for the playoff roster. Anyone waived after March 1 would be ineligible.

"If any of the other 28 teams had called, I would have said, 'Thanks, but goodbye,' " Brown said. "I had no plans to do something like this, but I already work here, and I could still handle a 20-game season. I could help them."

Brown could be signed this morning and then attend today's practice. The Magic (33-30) are on a two-game winning streak and play at home Wednesday against Phoenix. They are in the No. 6 position in the East, but their sights are on a top-four finish, which would mean a home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

"I still have to talk this over with my wife," Brown said. "She may not want me coming home all moody again after games. She said if that's the way it's going to be, I might as well just go move in with Tracy [McGrady]."