An early look at Orlando Magic 2017 Free Agency

Deron Williams

Deron Williams is past his prime. It is no secret. But as he is showing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, he can contribute valuable point guard minutes to a winning team.

The Magic might draft a point guard next month, which could render Williams superfluous. If they do not, he would be a great option to share minutes with Elfrid Payton.

It does not matter which one of them starts – that might depend on how the Magic view Elfrid Payton at this point. All that matters is that his shooting would give the team something Payton cannot. And his playmaking something they lacked last season with Payton on the bench.

Orlando Magic

In some ways, Williams would fill the role the Magic signed D.J. Augustin to fill last year. D.J. Augustin simply did not have it. His shooting was subpar and the offense stagnated with him handling the ball. In retrospect, signing him for four years probably wasn’t the best idea.

The Magic would be wise to learn from that mistake and get Williams on a shorter deal. That might not be what the veteran point guard is looking for, but at 32 years old and a far cry from the player he was five years ago, there might not be many other teams willing to sign him long-term.

Having two declining veteran point guards on the books for the next three or four years is everything the Magic should avoid. But, in the short term, Williams can fill a valuable role next season as the jury remains out on Payton.

The Magic need to be cautious about what kind of deal they sign with him, if they do pursue him.

Whether the Magic do or do not believe in Payton, they at least need a decent backup. But, if they feel there is not a good enough option left in the draft, signing Williams for a year might be a good fallback.