Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, July 2, 1994 TAG: 9407020039
SECTION: SPORTS PAGE: B3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: From Knight-Ridder/Tribune, Associated Press and staff reports
DATELINE: LENGTH: Short
The Magic immediately tendered Hardaway a qualifying offer, which means the team can match any offer he receives and retain his services.
Hardaway, runnerup to Chris Webber in NBA Rookie of the Year balloting, had signed a 13-year, $65 million deal with Orlando just before training camp last October. The contract included the popular one-year escape clause to allow him to become a restricted free agent.
Hardaway averaged 16 points, 6.6 assists and 5.4 rebounds a game for the Magic his rookie year. He was the only rookie in the NBA to start all 82 regular-season games.
John Gabriel, the Magic's vice-president of basketball operations, said the team doesn't intend for the process to get very far.
"We're ready to sit down and start negotiating with Penny as soon as it's convenient for everyone involved," Gabriel said.
\ PURCELL GETS LOOK: Jay Purcell, a four-year starter at guard for the Virginia Tech basketball team, has been invited to the Los Angeles Clippers' rookie camp, which opens July 11 at Cal-Irvine.
The former Blacksburg High School standout averaged 13.3 points, 4.0 rebounds and 3.3 assists last season for the Hokies.
by CNB