NBA

Hours after the rumors surfaced, Afflalo wrote, "3 month training camp begins today .... let next season speak .... until then ... observing and listening." The posts have since been deleted, but the veteran swingman is clearly keeping an eye on his role in Orlando. His role is further complicated by Orlando's potential interest in drafting Victor Oladipo or Ben McLemore with the No. 2 pick.

Very interesting. The Clippers have no clear cut answer at shooting guard with Chauncey Billups likely to depart in free agency, and Afflalo is under a reasonable contract through the 2015/16 season. According to the report, there is "a level of mutual interest on both sides," but, as usual, it's not clear how high the "level of mutual interest" actually is at this time. The Magic are believed to be targeting a package built around Eric Bledsoe and Caron Butler in exchange for Afflalo in any potential deal. It's a trade that could benefit both teams in the short and long run.

According to the Orlando Sentinel, "quite a few teams" have called the Magic to gauge what it would take to land the pick. GM Rob Hennigan has shown he's shrewd when he makes deals and won't rush into anything just for the sake of doing so, so we're a ways away from anything really developing. The Magic could very well stay in the No. 2 slot and take the best player on their board.

There will always be interest in a top draft pick, of course, but it remains to be seen what Orlando wants in return. The Cavaliers are also reportedly willing to deal the No. 1 pick for the right price, as the 2013 draft class is generally thought to be deficient in elite talent.

Ewing said "Charlotte is a great city and I'm open-minded," he said. "I have worked with Steve for many years in Houston and Orlando and I consider him a friend." It doesn't hurt that Ewing is also friendly with Michael Jordan, and it wouldn't surprise us to see him in Charlotte before long.

The Magic are reportedly hot the trail of Eric Bledsoe. If/when Chris Paul re-signs with the Clippers, they could deal Bledsoe for two-guard help in the form of Afflalo. That would free up the Magic to use the No. 2 overall pick on one of the top-two shooting guards in the draft -- Victor Oladipo or Ben McLemore.

Ewing has always been eyeing a head coach job, but it's unclear if he wants to leave the Knicks at this time. He is a longtime friend of Michael Jordan, so that could play a role in his decision.