Basketball: NBA Rumors 22/04/04

McGrady doesn't owe Magic any favors Should Tracy McGrady stay loyal to the Magic?

The Magic are waiting for McGrady to tell them if he plans to opt out of his contract, but Orlando Sentinel columnist George Diaz writes that McGrady "has every right to waiver on his decision".

Hornets may have tough time trading Mashburn

Jamal Mashburn's recent outburst may make it tough for the Hornets to trade him. A GM told the New Orleans Times-Picayune's Jimmy Smith that the Hornets could have trouble getting fair market value for Mashburn.

Jackson the man for Blazers

Oregonian columnist Brian Meehan thinks that the Blazers should draft Oregon's Luke Jackson. Meehan calls Jackson "a team-first star with a great work ethic who would fit nicely with an evolving Portland nucleus".

Magic's Davis may get new deal

Florida Today's John Denton reports that the Magic may give coach Johnny Davis a contract extension. Davis has a year left on the two-year deal he signed when he took over for Doc Rivers.

Raptors may not wait for GM

Candidates for the Raptors' GM job may have a better chance of being hired if their teams make a quick exit from the playoffs. The Toronto Sun's Bill Harris reports that if the Raptors are having trouble deciding between two candidates, they will choose the one who will be available the soonest.

[Edited on 9/9/04 by TRD]