Orlando Magic Daily
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2017 NBA Offseason: One-year deal possibilities for the Orlando Magic

By Drew Miller

MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Tyreke Evans #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
MIAMI, FL - FEBRUARY 21: Tyreke Evans #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings
MIAMI, FL – FEBRUARY 21: Tyreke Evans #13 of the Sacramento Kings looks on during a game against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on February 21, 2012 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

The Orlando Magic are interested in signing players to one-year prove-it deals. There are plenty of options available for the Magic to explore.

So far in free agency, the Orlando Magic have remained inactive, as the only roster move they have made was releasing second-year center Stephen Zimmerman.

There were rumors pointing to Joe Ingles being a potential target for the Magic. But the Utah Jazz quickly re-signed the restricted free agent to a four-year deal. The Magic’s needs include shooting, veteran leadership and a backup point guard (assuming they waive C.J. Watson).

For now, the Magic seem content with letting free agency pass them by. They are not going to sign a player just to sign a player and they certainly could preserve their cap space for future acquisitions. On top of all that, Weltman said the team is likely targeting one- and two-year deals.

This could lead to the team signing a veteran to one-year prove-it deal. Similar to how the Magic signed Jeff Green last summer.

This strategy seems to be for the best, as for lottery teams one of the most important things is cap flexibility.

Further, young players Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton will hit free agency next year and it will take major money to keep both (which is another reason Magic are trying to keep cap space). If the Magic had signed Ingles or any other enticing free agent to a large-money deal, role players would have dominated the payroll and the team would be stuck in mediocrity for the next few years.

One-year reclamation project deals are common in the NBA, as shown by the Philadelphia 76ers as a way to keep cap flexibility for the future. While most of these signings do not pan out for the long term, grabbing a solid presence in the locker room is a must for young teams. The Magic can take a chance on a high upside player and improve the locker room, all while keeping cap flexibility for the future.