Agent: McGrady Will Go to Orlando

Free-agent forward Tracy McGrady will sign with Orlando for the maximum $67.5 million over six years, his agent, Arn Tellem, said Wednesday.

Under NBA free-agent rules, McGrady can’t sign a contract until Aug. 1, but the forward confirmed he already has made his choice, just a day after showing interest in the Miami Heat, NBA sources told the Orlando Sentinel.

“I’ve made my decision. I’ve told the team I’m going to,” said McGrady, who talked with center Alonzo Mourning on Tuesday about going to the Heat. “Hey, Alonzo called again. I don’t know what he wanted. I didn’t return the call.”

Tellem said that McGrady, from nearby Auburndale, wanted to be close to home.

McGrady, 21, a 6-foot-9 forward who averaged 15.4 points and 6.3 rebounds last season with the Toronto Raptors, spent the last week wavering between Orlando, Chicago and Miami. The Magic took no chances Wednesday, sending Coach Doc Rivers to meet with McGrady and get a commitment.

“I think we have him--today, anyway,” Rivers said. “I guess we don’t really know until Aug. 1, but I feel good.”

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Shareef Abdur-Rahim of the Vancouver Grizzlies has been selected for the final spot on the U.S. Olympic basketball team, replacing the injured Grant Hill.

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Orlando Magic big man John Amaechi has moved up on the Lakers’ wish list as they pursue players to fill holes for next season.

Amaechi, 29, is a 6-10, 270-pound bruiser who averaged 10.5 points and 3.3 rebounds last season, his first with the Magic after spending four seasons in Europe.

The Lakers, however, can offer Amaechi only a midlevel salary exception, starting at $2.25 million next season.

The Orlando Sentinel reported that Amaechi is scheduled to meet with Magic General Manager John Gabriel over the next few days. Despite a call from center Shaquille O’Neal to try to persuade Amaechi to join the Lakers, he is leaning toward re-signing with the Magic.

Other big men reportedly on the Lakers’ list include Golden State’s 6-10 Adonal Foyle and Washington’s Jahidi White.

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The Clippers, without a permanent coach since Feb. 3, may name one as soon as next week. Dennis Johnson, who has been coaching the Clippers’ Summer Pro League team in Long Beach, remains a candidate, but Denver Nugget assistant John Lucas appears to be a front-runner.