Report: Orlando Magic sign Jeff Green to one-year deal

The Orlando Magic will reportedly sign Jeff Green to a one-year deal, completing their starting lineup most likely and finishing their big spending.

The Orlando Magic will sign forward Jeff Green to a one-year, $15-million contract, according to Jeff Zillgitt of USA TODAY.

This will likely be the most controversial and puzzling signing of the Magic’s vaunted free agency class, and will also likely be the last major move the Magic make this offseason. Green has had an up-and-down career full of lots of promise but also lots of frustration. He has never seemingly been able to wrap his talent into something focused enough to make a real impact in the league.

Last season, playing for the Memphis Grizzlies and Los Angeles Clippers, he averaged 11.7 points per game and 4.2 rebounds per game. Two of the lowest marks in his checkered career.

Green is a decent defender and more of a glue guy without any discernible skill.

Orlando though was desperate for some perimeter length and front-court depth. And the well was drying up of players who can fill that role.

As the Magic’s small forward depth chart currently stands, Aaron Gordon would be the likely starter with Mario Hezonja behind him. Evan Fournier could fill in some spot minutes as could Jodie Meeks. The power forward depth chart is not much better with just Serge Ibaka and Aaron Gordon filling that role.

Now that the Magic have finished most of their free agency moves, the roster has begun to take some shape. Green seems to be an important part of that. He certainly represents a significant investment, even if it is just for one year.

Green has always been a player who does a lot of things good, but nothing great. He is not a particularly good shooter. He is not a strong rebounder. Defensively he can be great or inconsistent.

He had that 30-point game against Orlando while he was with Memphis during the come-from-behind victory that seemed to be emblematic of all his potential and the Magic’s problems during that January swoon. And then he would also have games where he was a non-factor and disappear.

It is hard to figure out if the Magic really helped themselves and improved by adding Green to the starting lineup or if he is simply some really expensive depth at the end of the day.

Clearly though, in trying to fill a small forward position, the Magic had been backed into the corner. Without any max players to pursue — for whatever reason — the Magic had a need to fill and few options to do so. Green seemed to be at least an option available that is adequate.

The Magic have said all summer they wanted to bring in veteran leadership and some toughness. Green can provide that. He is definitely part of a type the Magic have pursued this offseason.

Next: Orlando Magic not changing their free agency plan

Whether he will work to help the Magic get to the Playoffs finally, that remains to be seen as the Magic make this large commitment to him.