2017 Orlando Magic Free Agency Preview: The Point Guards

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Mar 20, 2017; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) drives to the basket against the Philadelphia 76ers during the second half at Amway Center. Orlando defeated Philadelphia 112-109 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Point Guard Situation

The Orlando Magic’s point guard situation is not ideal. And it is not an ideal situation to look to free agency to make drastic improvements either.

Without a ton of cap room to play with, the Magic are likely playing on the fringes in this point guard class. Orlando will not have a shot at Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry or even Derrick Rose probably. Not that any of those players would have interest in joining the Magic at this particular point in time.

Not that the Magic’s point guard situation is ripe for a lot of outside injection. The Magic have Elfrid Payton and D.J. Augustin as the two-deep.

Payton is an OK starter and one who still has some room to grow. The Magic are waiting for him to reach consistency. But Payton is still a fine option if no other option presents itself.

Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

Augustin is the biggest conundrum. He struggled to fit with the Magic’s new offensive style. But he still has three years on a difficult-to-move contract. Augustin will make $22.5 million in the next three years. It seems like the Magic have little wiggle room.

Looking at the point guard options available to them, the Magic might be able to find a player to push Augustin for backup minutes. But they likely will not improve on Payton in the free agent market. Not in a significant way for the long term. There are a few quick fixes, if that.

The point guard options are limited for the Magic. In all likelihood, they will stand pat at the position in free agency. More likely, if the Magic look to improve at point guard, they will look to do so through trades, possibly shopping Payton around to find a way to improve.

This is a position of some need for the Magic. But also one where Orlando might be able to remain patient.

Next: The Double-Edged Sword of Player Development

The team might be willing to give Payton one more try at point guard, knowing the team would have the restricted free agent rights this summer to play with and the potential to move him at the deadline.