ORLANDO, Fla. — Free-agent point guard Chris Duhon could finalize contract terms with the Orlando Magic by the end of the week after spending Wednesday with coaches, players and General Manager Otis Smith.

Duhon, who played the last four seasons with the Chicago Bulls, is scheduled to return home Thursday morning, where he will decide whether to sign with the Magic, or the New York Knicks. He visited New York on Monday.

"The visit here went really well," said Kevin Bradbury, Duhon's agent, Wednesday night from his Orlando hotel room. "Chris wants to help a team win a championship. That's what Orlando is trying to do. That's different than a team looking to rebuild. He was flattered that a team of this caliber wants him."

Free agents can begin signing July 9, but they can reach oral agreements earlier.

The Magic were expected to offer Duhon a three-year deal worth close to $10 million. The signing of Duhon would end any pursuit of Clippers guard Corey Maggette.

The Magic were one of several teams that let Maggette know July 1 that they could offer him a contract that started with the middle-class salary cap exception of $5.8 million. Maggette is hoping to receive a larger package.

Duhon would be coming to Orlando as a backup to starting point guard Jameer Nelson, giving the Magic a better defensive presence at the position. It also would end any possibility of re-signing Carlos Arroyo. Although Duhon might have a better chance to start elsewhere, Bradbury said Duhon would be fine working behind Nelson.

"Chris just wants a well-defined role," Bradbury said. "He knows Jameer is the starter."