No More Magic between Darko Milicic and Orlando

For Darko Milicic, it's all happening again.

After the Detroit Pistons drafted Darko Milicic, the seven foot forward failed to impress general manager Joe Dumars. This led to his exile from Detroit to Orlando.

Coming to the Orlando Magic, Darko Milicic single-handedly engineered excitement, having Orlando Magic fans contemplating on the franchise's future to what they once called a promising young NBA Basketball talent.

All that changed after the NBA deadline passed without the Orlando Magic and Darko Milicic coming to a long-term contract extension. Talks can't commence again between the Magic and Milicic until July 1, 2007, according to the league's collective bargaining agreement.

Milicic now will become a restricted free agent, meaning he can negotiate with other teams next summer. The Magic, though, will have the right to match any offer for the 7-foot, 278-pound power forward.

Too bad huh?

''I want to see if we have a player,'' Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith said.

Milicic sat on the bench for two-plus seasons in Detroit before showing glimpses of promise during a 30-game cameo in Orlando. He has a lot riding on this season, with his long-term value fluctuating.

Smith touched base with Milicic's agent, Marc Cornstein. Cornstein called Milicic's negotiations with the Magic ''tricky,'' given his client has not proven his potential.

''We understand. They want to see what they're getting,'' Cornstein said by phone from New York. ''You do open the door to other teams, for them to say, 'Hmmm, what would it take to make a run at Darko this year?'''

Given Darko Milicic's performances so far as a former no.2 overall draft pick, AB-SO-LUTE-LY nothing.

Who will win the 2007 NBA Championship? Here are some odds from Bodog:

Chicago Bulls 7/1

Detroit Pistons 9/1

Dallas Mavericks 7/2

Miami Heat 4/1