Orlando Magic rumors: Magic courting Patrick Patterson

Mar 7, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard-forward John Salmons (25) congratulates forward Patrick Patterson (54) after a play against the Sacramento Kings during the second half at the Air Canada Centre. Toronto defeated Sacramento 99-87. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /

The Toronto Raptors received fantastic new on Wednesday night when they agreed to a four-year, $48 million deal with prized free agent point guard Kyle Lowry, locking up the biggest reason for their turnaround last season.

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Lowry was handed the reigns after forward Rudy Gay was dealt to the Sacramento Kings. Of course, two of the players that returned to Toronto in that trade, point guard Greivis Vasquez and forward Patrick Patterson, played key roles off of the bench, helping the Raptors finish 48-34, securing the Atlantic Division Title.

Unfortunately for the Raptors, paying Lowry $12 million per season could cost them one of, if not both, Vasquez and Patterson.

In fact, according to David Baumann of CBS Sports Orlando, citing a source, the Orlando Magic are currently courting Patterson.

Although the Magic have a surplus of power forward, including last year’s starer, Kyle O’Quinn, their 2012 first round draft choice, Andrew Nicholson, a tweener forward in Tobias Harris and the fourth-overall pick in last week’s draft, Aaron Gordon, it isn’t that surprising. Many believe Gordon will become a small forward and Nicholson could be on his way out of town. Plus, they have already been connected to another power forward – Detroit Pistons’ restricted free agent Greg Monroe. They are said to be “very interested” in Monroe.

Patterson averaged 8.5 points 5.3 rebounds per game last season. He had better numbers with the Raptors than the Kings, putting up 9.1 points and 5.1 rebounds per game after the trade.

Patterson is a restricted free agent so if he does an offer sheet with the Magic, the Raptors can match and retain him.

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