Magic, Nuggets Agree to a Five-Player Trade

The Orlando Magic continued to reshape their roster under an extensive rebuilding plan Monday night, agreeing to a five-player trade with the Denver Nuggets.

The deal, which will be completed today, sends forward Chris Gatling and guard Tariq Abdul-Wahad, plus a future first-round draft pick to Denver for forward Ron Mercer, guard Chauncey Billups and former Magic first-round pick Johnny Taylor.

The move is part of Orlando’s plan to clear up to $18 million in salary-cap room to pursue major free agents this summer.

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Michael Jordan’s first big management move with the Washington Wizards didn’t go smoothly. Darrell Walker, who has been coaching a last-place team in the Continental Basketball Assn., was hired as interim coach Monday for the rest of the season. Walker expected to become an assistant, but he moved up the ladder when Jordan’s first choice, Golden State assistant Rod Higgins, fell through because the Wizards couldn’t agree on a compensation plan with the Warriors. Gar Heard was fired as Wizard coach Saturday night.

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Derek Harper, who hasn’t played this season after being traded by the Lakers to the Detroit Pistons, is the Dallas Mavericks’ new vice president of business relations. Harper, 38, has been living in Dallas, preparing for his new job. He spent 16 years in the NBA and is the Mavericks’ all-time leader in assists, steals and three-point shots. Harper said his goal is to become general manager of the Mavericks. . . . Dave Cowens, former coach of the Boston Celtics and Charlotte Hornets, joined the Golden State Warriors as an assistant.