Seikaly Gets Wish, Goes to Magic

Rony Seikaly is heading back to Florida. Felton Spencer is heading to his third team in four months.

In a long-anticipated move, the Golden State Warriors traded suspended center Seikaly and his backup, Clifford Rozier, to the Orlando Magic on Saturday for Spencer, Donald Royal and John Koncak. The Warriors also sent a future second-round draft pick to Orlando.

Seikaly, who spent the last two years with the Warriors after six seasons in Miami, was obtained to fill Orlando’s hole at center since Shaquille O’Neal went to the Lakers as a free agent this summer.

Spencer, known more for his defense than his offense, said the Magic apparently wanted a little more scoring punch in the middle.

“I think they were looking for a center who would be a little more involved offensively for them. I think they felt Rony would fit the system a little better,” Spencer said. “I think they felt Rony would give them a little more respect.”

The 6-foot-11 Seikaly, who has averaged 14.8 points and 9.8 rebounds a game during his NBA career, had demanded a trade and refused to report to training camp. He had been suspended by Golden State.

The 7-foot Spencer spent the past three seasons at Utah after three seasons in Minnesota. Spencer, traded to the Magic in August, has averaged 6.7 points and 6.6 rebounds a game during his career.

Seikaly and Rozier are expected to join Orlando on its trip to Tokyo, where the Magic will face the New Jersey Nets on Thursday and Friday.