Orlando Magic Free Agency Rumors: Darren Collison “getting love” from Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic might be in the market for a point guard. They reportedly have expressed some interest in veteran guard Darren Collison.

Orlando Magic fans have put a lot of attention on the point guard position. It was clearly a position that needed some upgrade.

Elfrid Payton ended the season on a high note with some gaudy numbers. But he has largely struggled with inconsistency the last two years. Entering a contract year, Elfrid Payton still has a lot of questions about him and his future with the Magic. Especially with a new management group coming in.

D.J. Augustin, Payton’s backup did not answer very many questions. He struggled some as the team’s backup and never really provided the lift offensively off the bench the team needed. Much less make up for Payton’s inconsistencies.

Everyone assumed the Magic were in the market for a point guard — whether it comes from the Draft or in free agency.

The Magic appear to have their eye on at least one free agent option. Bill Ingram of Bloomberg News reports the Magic are among the teams expressing interest in Sacramento Kings point guard Darren Collison.

No one else has reported Collison’s interests or given much of a clue of what his thinking is. He has at various times been connected to the Utah Jazz and New York Knicks too. Once the point guard market settles down, teams will start searching for quality backups. Whether this rumor is true or false, it seems like Collison is about to get a lot of attention.

For a team looking for point guard help, Collison certainly fits that bill.

The eight-year pro averaged 13.2 points per game and 4.6 assists per game last year, making 41.7 percent of his 3-pointers and a 52.7 percent effective field goal percentage. He is an effective scorer, and he always has been throughout his career even as his speed has slowly decreased.

Orlando Magic

He was Sacramento’s starter last year and could challenge Payton some for starting minutes if he is inconsistent again. Collison certainly would fill in as the backup ahead of Augustin if the Magic were to sign him. He also could play some shooting guard with his shooting ability, providing that versatility the Magic seem to like.

Collison has previously played for coach Frank Vogel. He played for the Indiana Pacers from 2011-12, averaging 11.9 points and 5.0 assists per game. His two seasons in Indiana included his worst scoring season as he tried to grow into a starter. He played for Vogel in his second and third season. He has matured a lot on the court since then.

Collison just completed a three-year, $15 million. It is not impossible to see Collison come back for something similar to what D.J. Augustin makes. But it also appears his market is picking up too. If the Magic are truly interested in him, they may have to pony up a bit more.

It is still unclear exactly who else the Magic are chasing in free agency or what their plans are. Their only other rumor — chasing Jazz small forward Joe Ingles — fell through as Ingles reportedly agreed to a four-year, $52-million deal to remain with the Jazz.

Next: Free agents the Orlando Magic should target

But Orlando certainly could be looking to find some more consistency at point guard. A veteran like Collison likely would help support that cause.