The Orlando Magic's request for an injury exception on Grant Hill has been denied by the NBA, ESPN.com's Marc Stein reports.

It's believed that league officials, who do not discuss the specifics when ruling on such cases, rejected the request on the premise that Hill's troublesome left ankle -- after a fourth surgery -- would not prevent him from playing at some point next season. Magic officials have stated publicly that they plan to insist on Hill sitting out the entire season before attempting what figures to be his final comeback attempt.

The impact of having the request denied was lessened somewhat by Monday's news that free-agent forward Juwan Howard has verbally committed to sign a five-year deal with Orlando in the $30 million range. The Magic is expected to add Howard, and ranks as a leading contender to sign Washington free-agent point guard Tyronn Lue, even without the benefit of a Hill injury exception -- which would haven been valued at roughly $5 million.

"We're surprised and disappointed by the league's decision," Magic chief operating officer John Weisbrod said. "Nonetheless, we must abide by it, and we will not let it deter our efforts to build the best basketball team possible."

The Orlando Sentinel reported in Monday's editions that the Magic was unlikely to use the exception if granted, after reaching an agreement with Howard. Having the exception, however, would have afforded the Magic more flexibility in future trades.

Hill, still on crutches after his most recent surgery March 18, was examined by a league-appointed doctor who determined that the 30-year-old could come back before the end of the 2003-04 season. The Magic's request for the injury exception stirred speculation that Hill's career could be in jeopardy, but his father -- former All-Pro receiver Calvin Hill -- recently scoffed at suggestions of a forced retirement.

"I expect him to not only be capable of playing, but capable of playing at the level that he's played before,'' Calvin Hill said.

Grant Hill is recovering from surgery on his left ankle in March -- the fourth operation he's had to correct a stress fracture since he signed a $93 million, seven-year contract with Orlando in August 2000. He initially hurt the foot earlier that year while playing for Detroit.

Foot injuries have limited him to 47 games with the Magic. He played 29 this past season before going on the injured list in January.

Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.