Daly Reportedly Ready to Sign $15-Million Contract with Magic

ORLANDO, Fla. — Chuck Daly, 67 years old and out of the NBA the past two seasons, has agreed to coach the Orlando Magic for $15 million over three years, NBC reported Sunday.

The network, in its show before Game 1 of the NBA finals between the Utah Jazz and Chicago Bulls, cited unidentified sources that the deal was done.

A spokesman for the team said Sunday night the report was “not completely accurate.”

“We are in discussions with Chuck,” Magic spokesman Alex Martins said. “They have not been finalized and we do not have an agreement at this time, but discussions are ongoing.”

On May 19, Daly withdrew from consideration during a meeting with Magic General Manager John Gabriel.

Daly, who led the Detroit Pistons to NBA titles in 1989 and 1990, last coached the New Jersey Nets during the 1993-94 season. He also coached the U.S. Olympic team to the gold medal in the 1992 Barcelona Games.

Along with Bull Coach Phil Jackson, Daly had been considered one of the team’s top choices. After he withdrew from consideration less than two weeks ago, he said, “They never actually offered me the job. It’s a wonderful job, a great area. But for me, it’s not going to be there.”

The Magic, which dismissed Coach Brian Hill in February amid speculation the players forced the move, was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round. Assistant Richie Adubato took over the team, which finished its first season without Shaquille O’Neal with a 45-36 record.