Reaching into their recent past, the Orlando Magic expect to sign forward Bo Outlaw to a free-agent deal.

"It looks like we're going to get that done," Magic Assistant General Manager Otis Smith said Saturday.

Outlaw, 34, played for the Magic for four-plus seasons, starting in 1997-98. A fan favorite known for his hustle, Outlaw, along with a first-round pick and cash, was traded to the Phoenix Suns for Jud Buechler in November 2001. The Suns used the pick in the 2002 draft to select Amare Stoudemire of Cypress Creek High.

Outlaw spent two seasons with the Suns, was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies before the 2003-04 season, waived by Memphis last season and re-signed by Phoenix, for whom he played sparingly and averaged 0.7 points in 39 games.

Orlando still might sign a free agent after camp opens Oct. 4. But Smith said the 6-foot-8 Outlaw offers experience to back up Dwight Howard. "We needed somebody who knows how to play the game, and that's Bo," Smith said. "He's an undersized power forward, but he can do the little things."