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NBA Free Agency: Evan Fournier to re-sign with Orlando Magic

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) high fives guard Brandon Jennings (55) against the Dallas Mavericks during overtime at Amway Center. Orlando defeated Dallas 110-104. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) high fives guard Brandon Jennings (55) against the Dallas Mavericks during overtime at Amway Center. Orlando defeated Dallas 110-104. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic and Evan Fournier have agreed to a five-year, $85-million extension securing one of the big needs on the Magic’s to-do list this summer.

The Orlando Magic will re-sign Evan Fournier to a five-year, $85-million contract, Marc Spears of The Undefeated reports.

After the trade of Victor Oladipo, it became apparent the Magic had decided to keep Fournier as their starting shooting guard. He became a top priority for the team this summer.

He was a top priority even when Oladipo was here. There was no way the Magic could let a player of Fournier’s caliber and quality leave in free agency for nothing. And Fournier told Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel ahead of free agency he was focused on staying in Orlando.

An extension seemed like a very natural

At 23 years old, Fournier had a breakout season last year, averaging 15.4 points per game and posting a 54.6 percent effective field goal percentage. He was one of the few players on the Magic who could consistently hit a 3-pointer (40.0 percent last year) and was adept at recognizing how to attack a defense off of ball reversals.

The contract too is very reasonable, averaging out to $17 million. It is very similar to the deal the Magic signed Tobias Harris to last summer.

Projections for Fournier’s salary had him making somewhere between $15 and $20 million. This seems like a very fair price.

The Magic now have one of their big items on their check list filled out. Really it is another one after securing a great rim protector in Serge Ibaka in the draft night trade. They have also continued to add depth with the reported agreement with D.J. Augustin to a four-year, $29-million deal and the acquisition of Jodie Meeks.

Orlando still has work to do though to continue improving the roster. The Magic are expected to meet with Jamal Crawford today to add even more depth in the backcourt and could still be fishing around for a big-name player.

The important thing to remember is the Fournier signing does not affect the Magic’s salary cap space until he is signed. Because the Magic own Fournier’s “Bird Rights” — an exception to the cap that allows teams to retain their own players — they can go over the cap to re-sign Fournier.

This means the Magic will likely make other moves and sign Fournier last so they can exceed the cap to sign him. That is, if they need to.

Orlando has roughly $30 million to spend after the Augustin agreement. That would be enough for a max player, but it does not appear the Magic are in the running for any max players at this time. They are likely looking to fill out their roster with quality players and use depth to improve the team next year.

Next: Serge Ibaka excited, focused for new opportunity

The Fournier deal certainly is a fair one and should be a good deal for the Magic moving forward. Especially if the Magic give Fournier a more featured role in the offense next year. Orlando should maintain some flexibility to make moves the rest of this summer and possibly into next season.