Free-agent forward Juwan Howard signed a five-year contract with the Orlando Magic Wednesday.

"Juwan had a lot of options and we're excited he's coming to Orlando," Magic general manager John Gabriel told reporters. "He certainly helps in addressing our needs."

Howard led the Denver Nuggets in scoring last season with 18.4 points per game and 7.6 rebounds. He has averaged 17.9 points and 7.5 rebounds in his 649-game NBA career with Washington, Dallas and Denver.

The 6-foot-9, 260-pound forward accepted the new annual $4.9 million average salary figure from the Magic.

Howard said he wanted the chance to win and that the Magic offered him the best opportunity.

Orlando hopes Howard will take some of the pressure off Tracy McGrady, the NBA's scoring champion last season.

"Juwan's game is multi-dimensional and he will provide us with a lot of versatility in terms of the lineups we will be able to put out on the floor," said Magic coach Doc Rivers.

Denver, Minnesota and Detroit also expressed a strong interest in Howard.

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