Jerry Brewer of the Orlando Sentinel reports: The Magic know that if they spend too much time haggling over free-agent bargains, they stand to lose two double-figure scorers in forward Pat Garrity and guard Troy Hudson.

Troy Hudson said that he might stay for less and that he likes playing for another and the situation is good for him. However, there was no comments ftom Garrity.

So unlike the past few seasons, when the issue was who might join them, the Magic begin free agency today needing to keep their own.

With monetary concerns limiting their options, the Magic are interested in improving by doing two things: Keeping the core of this team together and finding a good deal on an available tough guy.

General Manager John Gabriel considers draft-night acquisition Rashard Griffith, a 27-year-old center who has played overseas since 1995, a player who will at least be in the rotation next season.

With that in mind, the Magic are likely to add just one player during free agency. If they can sign Hudson, they will go for a rugged power forward/center.

Charles Oakley, who has said he would like to play for Orlando, Philadelphia or the Los Angeles Lakers, is at the top of the Magic's wish list.Gary Trent, Popeye Jones, Scott Williams and Malik Rose are other free-agent power forwards that the Magic are expected to consider signing.

If they cannot sign Hudson, then point guard becomes a concern.It's likely that if his leg holds up that Grant Hill will start at the point with Darrell Armstrong coming off the bench. If Hudfson's leaves, Travis Best, Jacque Vaughn, and Chris Childs become possible options.

The way the Magic are built, with Tracy McGrady dictating the offense and passing to open shooters, signing Pat Garrity is a must. His value is increased for two reasons: Hill's ankle injury and the fact that the Magic will still listen to callers wanting them to trade their most tradable commodity, Mike Miller.

"They are going to be a bit of a struggle," Gabriel said of signing his free agents. "It's not going to be easy."