ORLANDO, Florida 鈥?Marcin Gortat, a Polish center who backs up All-Star big man Dwight Howard, will stay with Orlando after the Magic announced Monday they matched a five-year, 34 million-dollar offer from Dallas.
The deal for the restricted free agent ensures a deep front line next season for the Eastern Conference champions, who lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in last month's National Basketball Association Finals.
"Having quality big men is an absolute must in our league and Marcin has worked very hard to fit into that category," Magic general manager Otis Smith said. "He provides tremendous depth to our frontcourt and we're happy to bring him back."
Gortat, who made about 700,000 dollars in his first full NBA campaign, averaged 3.8 points and 4.5 rebounds a game last season, playing about 12 minutes a night.
The Mavericks, whose former power forward Brandon Bass signed with Orlando last week, were denied Gortat as a backup or possible replacement for Erick Dampier.
The Magic also have obtained playmaker Vince Carter from New Jersey, serving notice they intend to contend for next season's NBA throne.
The Cleveland Cavaliers, who lost to Orlando in the Eastern Conference finals after leading the league in wins last season, have already answered the Magic's challenge by landing star center Shaquille O'Neal from Phoenix.
(Agencies)
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