Long Shot: Don't Count on Gilbert Arenas Joining the Orlando Magic

The Washington Wizards appear to be prepared to end the Gilbert Arenas era. All signs that Arenas plays in DC have disappeared.

Banners featuring "Agent Zero" have been removed from the Verizon Center. This is not the way a star player is usually treated.

In the wake of Arenas' plea deal to gun charges, Washington is ready to cut ties. So where does Gilbert go if, and when, he leaves the nation's capital.

Mark Stein of ESPN speculates that Orlando is at the top of the list of potential landing spots. Magic GM Otis Smith's close ties to Arenas gave birth to this idea.

Smith was with the Golden State Warriors when they drafted Arenas in the second round of the 2001 NBA Draft.

Arenas and Smith developed a close friendship in Golden State, a relationship that has lived on as they have gone separate ways.

Smith has played down the rumor as mere speculation. Smith has gone on the record denying word that Orlando is trying to aquire the All-Star point guard.

If the Magic were to acquire Arenas, how exactly would this go down? The details would hinge on what happens with his massive contract. The Wiz have four years left on Glibert's $111 million deal.

Orlando is well over the salary cap as it stands and is currently paying out luxury tax money.

If "Hibachi" keeps his current contract, the Magic would have to strike a trade for a considerably risky player. A trade would likely center around Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson, or Rashard Lewis.

It is possible that a trade could include either Marcin Gortat or Brandon Bass, both of whom have complained about their lack of playing time.

Carter has struggled to fit into the Orlando gameplan since he was acquired in a trade with New Jersey. Lewis has expressed unhappiness with his decreased shot opportunities since Carter joined the team.

Nelson has not looked like the same player since his shoulder injury last season. Gilbert would likely take over the primary ballhandler role.

The other scenario would be the Wizards voiding the Arenas deal. This would require league approval, which remains to be seen.

If the contract is terminated, signing Arenas could prove to be even more difficult. Orlando would have to make a move to free up cap space and convince Gilbert to take a significant cut in pay.

If all of the specifics were to work out, the question remains, would Gilbert Arenas fit with the Orlando Magic?

There is no questioning Arenas' ability to put up points. He has averaged 22.7 points a game over his career. The problem would be everything else.

Orlando is not in need of scoring. Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson are all capable of carrying the load offensively.

The Magic would ask Arenas to be more of a facilitator throughout the game. Gilbert would also be looked at to play tougher defense.

The biggest concern for Orlando would be Arenas' character. With the poor handling of the gun controversy and erratic behavior throughout his career, Gilbert would need to take matters more seriously.

One thing Gilbert could bring to Orlando is on-court leadership. Despite his antics, Arenas is familiar with being "the man" for his team. At the end of close games, there are not many players you would rather have taking the game-winning shot.

All things considered, Gilbert Arenas ending up in Orlando is a long shot. In the end, I'm  not sure it's a gamble the Magic are willing to take.

If Gilbert can hang on to his deal, it would be extremely difficult to move him elsewhere. If the contract is voided, expect a team that misses out on the big-name free agents this offseason to use their cap room to take a chance on Arenas.

The New York Knicks, New Jersey Nets, Chicago Bulls, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Clippers should all be in position to take on a hefty contract or two. One of them will likely seek to acquire Gilbert Arenas.

As for Orlando, it is more important to focus on working with the roster they currently possess and try to generate some type of chemistry. The Magic may have to pass on adding a disruptive force like Arenas to their locker room.