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Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Small Forwards

By Philip Rossman-Reich

May 3, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) during the first quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
May 3, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward DeMarre Carroll (5) drives to the basket against Indiana Pacers guard Lance Stephenson (1) during the first quarter in game seven of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mike Dunleavy, Chicago Bulls
Apr 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Mike Dunleavy (34) during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Chicago won 120-66. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Mike Dunleavy, Chicago Bulls

In the realm of, “Well, we could settle for a guy like this,” there is Mike Dunleavy.

Dunleavy has done nothing but be a solid, consistent role player throughout his career. He does not quite stand out in any significant way.

His defense has always been good and solid. His offense has been consistent. He can shoot the ball and fit into a role for a team. He will start if you need him to and come off the bench if you need him to.

This has been Dunleavy’s career.

He started all 63 games he played for the Bulls this season, averaging 9.4 points per game and shooting 40.7 percent from the floor. Tom Thibodeau trusted him within his defensive structure, so that must mean something right?

This is a role player who understands what he is good at and fills the role admirably.

There are negatives though. His 9.4 points per game were the lowest of his career since his rookie season in Golden State in 2003. Worse yet, Dunleavy ended the season at 34 years old. You have to wonder how much is left in his career.

Would the Magic commit a three- or four-year deal to someone that old? That might be what it takes to get a player like Dunleavy in Orlando. And then, all of a sudden, this starts to feel like signing Channing Frye or Ben Gordon all over again.

Dunleavy can still contribute. He did a good job with the Bulls this season. But eventually it will be time to phase him to the bench. Signing Dunleavy is a very short-term thought. A quick replacement to buffer the loss of Tobias Harris or to back him up off the bench.

In a two-year timeframe, signing Dunleavy could make a lot of sense. But without the guarantee of winning, Dunleavy could be a hard guy to persuade to Orlando. It might take more money to do so. And that cuts into your flexibility.

Next: Al-Farouq Aminu, Dallas Mavericks