Magic sign F-C Howard to contract extension

Jul 12, 2007 - 4:14 PM ORLANDO, Florida (Ticker) -- One day after landing Rashard Lewis, the Orlando Magic locked up Dwight Howard as well.

The Magic signed Howard to a contract extension Thursday, securing the center's long-term future in Orlando.

Terms were not disclosed, but the Orlando Sentinel reported on its web site that Howard agreed to a five-year extension worth approximately $85 million.

"Dwight has already become one of the most intimidating forces in the league down low, and at 21 years old, he is only going to get better," Magic general manager Otis Smith said. "We continue to make this organization one in which fans can be proud of, both on and off the court, and Dwight is obviously a big part of that. We look forward to watching Dwight's development in a Magic uniform for many years to come."

The signing came less than 24 hours after the Magic introduced Lewis, who was acquired in a sign-and trade deal with the Seattle SuperSonics.

The Sentinel reported that Lewis agreed to a six-year deal worth an estimated $118 million. It would be the largest contract in franchise history and the fourth-biggest current contract in the NBA.

The Magic then immediately turned their attention to Howard, the top overall draft selection in 2004. Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy told the newspaper that he is looking forward to guiding a team built around the 21-year-old Howard and the 27-year-old Lewis.

"We have our two cornerstones now," Van Gundy said. "Now you build a team around them."

Despite averaging 17.6 points per game last season and grabbing more rebounds than any player in the NBA over the last two campaigns, Howard still is only scratching the surface of his limitless potential.

The 265-pound Howard is a fascinating blend of power and agility, as was evidenced by his 29-point, 17-rebound performance against the Detroit Pistons in Game Four of the first round of the playoffs.

Howard, who doesn't turn 22 until next December, also has shown flashes of immaturity and must continue to improve his offensive repertoire in the post.

The 6-10 Lewis averaged a career-high 22.4 points and 6.6 rebounds in 60 games last season, his ninth in the NBA. The 2005 All-Star was drafted by the Sonics out of high school in 1998 and has increased his scoring average in all but one season.

The Magic went 40-42 last season and earned the eighth seed in the Eastern Conference. They were swept in four games by the top-seeded Pistons in the first round of the conference playoffs.