Golden State Grants Seikaly His Trade Wish

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, John Koncak and Donald Royal.

The Warriors also sent a future second-round draft pick to Orlando.

Seikaly, who spent the past 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 Los Angeles 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 since joining the NBA, had demanded a trade and refused to report to training camp. He had been suspended by Golden State.