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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 7: Individual Workouts

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 27, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) drives to the basket as Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 111-97. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Tobias Harris (12) drives to the basket as Detroit Pistons guard Reggie Jackson (1) defends during the second half at Amway Center. Detroit Pistons defeated the Orlando Magic 111-97. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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We have been skirting around what our free agency wish lists are for much of the offseason already. The whole staff’s eyes have been turned on this question.

The general consensus is the Magic have several needs they need to fill this offseason. Getting a solid sixth man, a backup point guard and continuing to add to the talent base. My personal feeling is the magic need to commit some long-term money and have some player that will be part of the final group that makes the Playoffs.

No filling out the roster with low-impact veterans, in other words.

Most of us feel the Magic’s starting lineup is decent. Or it can be when it grows up and with some adjustments at power forward. There is a core that is missing that major piece still and a coach to move them in the right direction.

Despite all this, I do not think the Magic go out and spend a ton of money. Like I said, I think they worry more about building depth and go get that final piece in 2016.

But, the Magic can create the cap space to go after a max salary guy if they really want to. Rob Hennigan confirmed as much at the Magic’s exit interviews about a month ago.

If the Magic renounced all remaining free agents, the Magic have just $38.9 million committed to next year — roughly $30 million in cap room. So, yes the Magic could go after a big name and throw money at someone. But they likely want to re-sign Tobias Harris — to keep his rights creates a cap hold of nearly $6 million, and the Magic have his Bird Rights and so can go over the cap to re-sign him.

Realistically, the Magic have about $23-24 million in cap space. A max contract will set you back $16 million (at least, probably more). Harris will likely cost at least $13 million per year (again, the team can go over the cap to re-sign him). So just doing those two moves, puts the Magic well over the cap and more or less commits them to the team they field in 2016 for the foreseeable future.

It just does not make a ton of sense to sign a max player yet unless the Magic are sure it is the absolute right guy. They have a lot of secondary needs that they have to fill too.

I just do not see them making that kind of large commitment at this stage.

Next: What does Vucevic equal?