Los Angeles Clippers guard Corey Maggette told friends during the weekend that he was encouraging the Orlando Magic to make a competitive offer in free agency, allowing him to return to the team where he started his NBA career nine years ago.

Maggette, 28, averaged 22.1 points last season for the Clippers, where he has spent the last eight seasons as a shooting guard/small forward.

Maggette has until Monday to opt out of the final year of his contract for $7 million and become an unrestricted free agent Tuesday. Under salary-cap rules, the Magic have only the middle-class exception of $5.8 million to offer him in the first year of a deal. The Magic could build a five-year deal worth close to $40 million.

"I think he'd come back in a heartbeat," said a Maggette friend who is close to both the player and the Magic organization. "It's something he'd love to see happen."

Maggette played here as a rookie (1999-00). His parents live in Central Florida. He has often spoken about the possibility of returning to the Magic.

Teams can begin negotiating with free agents Tuesday and signing them July 9. If Maggette opts out of his contract, the Clippers are expected to offer him a new four-year deal worth close to $40 million.

Magic General Manager Otis Smith declined to discuss any particular free agent.

If the Magic landed Maggette, it would make them serious contenders in the East, teaming him with center Dwight Howard, forwards Rashard Lewis and Hedo Turkoglu, and guard Jameer Nelson.