2016-17 Orlando Magic Player Evaluations: Jodie Meeks

2018 Outlook

When the Magic acquired Jodie Meeks in the summer, it was a low-risk move. Orlando gave up a 2019 second round pick for Meeks in his contract year. The thought was if he played well, he would help the team make the Playoffs and earn another contract. If he did not, they could let him go into free agency without losing very much.

It would seem even that basic plan got thrown for a loop thanks to Meeks’ injuries. Neither injury this year was related and neither seem long lasting. Yet, this is now two consecutive seasons where Meeks has missed the majority of the year.

That has to be under consideration for the Magic as they decide what to do with Meeks this offseason.

The question remains about price and how much Meeks is worth to the team.

Last year, Meeks’ contract was $7.5 million for the final year of the deal. Will that price tag go up in the new reality for the salary cap? How much higher are the Magic willing to go?

Whether Meeks comes back or not may wholly depend on how the new general manager feels about him, the price tag that he asks for and the makeup of the roster otherwise. Meeks’ free agency will not be a priority for the team in other words.

While a flamethrower off the bench is important and should keep Meeks in the Magic’s plans, that is no guarantee they will bring him back or even keep him with a consistent bench role. That really depends on how the rest of the offseason goes and just what the roster’s needs become.

Meeks played well enough in the minutes he played to earn consideration at a contract renewal. At what cost or for what role is the big question the Magic are left answering. And some of it may be how much they are willing to risk on his health long term.