Orlando Magic should not change approach to free agency

Since pulling off a somewhat blockbuster trade, the Orlando Magic’s needs have changed a little. But does it how Orlando approaches free agency?

The Orlando Magic have placed themselves at the top of all NBA talks recently.

Well, sort of.

The trade of Victor Oladipo along with others for Serge Ibaka has been a talking point for many writers and analysts since the close of the NBA Draft on Thursday. While much of the focus has been on how the trade impacts Kevin Durant‘s decision to return to the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Magic get mentioned in passing with speculation of Ibaka’s worth going forward.

The Orlando Magic had their mind set on getting a particular type of player heading into the offseason as Vogel mentioned in his introductory press conference:

"“We need tough guys who are leaders. Bringing in a guy who has a presence about him that younger players will respect, both with his voice and his approach and his ability to kick some tail on the court, that’s important. We’ll be looking for that guy who has the experience who can lead in the locker room and with his play as well.”"

While Serge Ibaka might check all of those boxes, there is still more work to be done. The Magic plan on being aggressive in the free agent market. That is no secret.

Slowly, more rumors have begun to suggest who the Orlando Magic have an interest in obtaining, and a clearer vision for the offseason is taking shape.

Even after the trade, Orlando will still have enough cap space to give a max contract in addition to re-signing Evan Fournier. And after the trade, the Magic’s focus in free agency should not change much. The roster has changed, but the strategy and overall plan remain largely the same even with that rim-protection need now filled.

So let’s look at a few directions the Orlando Magic could go beginning this Friday.

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