Although it was P.J. Brown who came for the visit earlier this week, it's Juwan Howard now who has the Orlando Magic believing they can do some serious upgrading to their frontcourt later this month.

Howard, who averaged 18.4 points and 7.6 rebounds for the Denver Nuggets last season, has shown a willingness to accept the $4.8 million middle-class exception that the Magic have offered him, according to NBA sources.

Free agents can begin signing new contracts July 16.

"They [Magic] have as good a chance -- or better -- as anyone right now of getting Juwan," said one NBA executive. "It looks promising."

The Magic are among several teams offering Howard, 30, a similar package that starts at $4.8 million and extends to four and five years. The Minnesota Timberwolves and Detroit Pistons also have expressed some confidence in signing Howard.