Orlando Magic notes: GM Otis Smith isn't looking to deal Marcin Gortat or Brandon Bass

Orlando Magic general manager Otis Smith said Tuesday that he likely wouldn't consider making a trade before the deadline next month unless the team was hit with a serious injury.

"It would depend at what position," he said. "Right now, I don't see anything happening."

Despite rumors that pop up from time to time, Smith has no plans to deal back-up C Marcin Gortat or PF Brandon Bass. Both players have been frustrated with their playing time. He said he felt the Magic had enough big men to challenge for a title.

Although the Magic are paying the luxury tax because of a high payroll, Smith also said that he planned on keeping the franchise's first-round draft pick this season. The pick likely will come very late in the round if the club advances deep into the playoffs.

Carter remains out

Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said that SG Vince Carter's injured left shoulder has improved but the eight-time all-star isn't expected to play until near the end of the club's four-game road trip.

Carter sat out Tuesday night's game against the Kings in Sacramento.

He sustained what the team called a "mild" separation last Friday night in a loss to the Wizards in Washington, D.C.

He sat out Saturday night's game against the Atlanta Hawks, and has received numerous treatments since then.

J.J. Redick is expected to start at shooting guard until Carter returns to action.

"I really don't know. I would hope by the end of the trip," Van Gundy said after Tuesday's shootaround at Arco Arena. "There has been some improvement. He said he can raise his arm, but not across his body."

Carter, Orlando's leading scorer, missed four games earlier this season after spraining his left ankle.

Layups

SF Matt Barnes, who appealed a $20,000 fine levied by the NBA after he tossed a basketball into the stands Nov. 25, said it's likely his appeal won't be heard until after the end of the season.

PG Jason Williams played with the Kings his first three seasons after leaving the University of Florida.