I touched on free agency a bit earlier this month in explaining why the Magic might not have as much cap room as we all would think. A lot of this summer is going to be about figuring out what to do with Tobias Harris. A huge chunk of the Magic’s cap room and attention will be spent on valuing and re-signing Harris (or letting him go).
As a refresher, before the cap holds, the Magic should have around $23.8 million to spend. Figure Harris will take up about half of that. So Orlando has some money to throw around if the team would like, but not enough to go after any major player. The Magic are probably looking to add secondary pieces.
I am still going through the free agent lists. But, like last summer when the team signed Channing Frye, expect Orlando to commit some long-term money on a veteran that will be part of the team’s Playoff turn.
The Magic need to find someone at that mid-level price to score from the perimeter and support the core the Magic have.
So what free agents could they target?
C.J. Watson could be a solid veteran backup point guard option. Although he is not known as a great 3-point shooter (shooting 40.0 percent this season and 38.2 percent for his career).
Marco Belinelli is a free agent and he fits many needs for the Magic. In addition to being a great shooter, he has championship and Playoff experience, which would be important for this Magic team to draw on as the team continues to improve. Wayne Ellington is also another shooter guard who is known as a shooter and could help spread the floor. Mike Dunleavy is also a solid veteran with 3-point shooting ability.
If you want to dream a lot, Wesley Matthews is a great 3-point shooter. Although he will be coming off his torn Achilles injury. Who knows what he will get this summer?
At small forward, where I think the Magic should focus their search (particularly if Tobias Harris is gone), there are a few options too. Khris Middleton would be an interesting restricted free agent target should Harris fall apart. Corey Brewer is another solid veteran with defensive length who can make shots when left open. DeMarre Carroll is also a player who has greatly improved his 3-point shooting and is a solid defender. He would fit this Magic backcourt rotation really well.
Those guys might be a good place to start. Each could easily fit into the rotation realistically and hit the outside shot. This year’s free agent crop just is not a big impact group. Expect Orlando to be active in the trade market to add that piece… if anything the team has can net some value.
Next: What will Tobias Harris get in free agency?