John Denton of the Florida Today reports: With the feel-good music welcoming his return to the Orlando Magic on Thursday, a slightly embarrassed Horace Grant buried his face in his hands and flashed an infectious smile that spoke to his sheer delight.

Grant officially returned for his second stint with the Magic on Thursday, landing in the place he repeatedly called "home" and one that he said was "where my heart has always been." He already has a mansion in suburban Orlando, and he said he has every intention now of ending his career here. And even though he was traded away to Seattle in 1999 and played last season with the NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, Grant said he never doubted he would some day don Magic blue again.

The Magic lured Grant away from the Lakers by giving him a two-year deal - with an option for a third season - worth approximately $7.5 million. Los Angeles was unwilling to give Grant anything more than their $1.3 million exception because of fear of being hit with the NBA's luxury tax, a fine for teams that exceed approximately $55 million in payroll.And Grant paid little attention to offers from Dallas, New York and Minnesota when the opportunity arose to return to Orlando.