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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Vol. 27: A new future for the Orlando Magic

By Philip Rossman-Reich

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 22: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic goes for a lay up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 22, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 22: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic goes for a lay up against the Minnesota Timberwolves on November 22, 2017 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Boston Celtics
ORLANDO, FL – DECEMBER 7: Elfrid Payton #4 of the Orlando Magic shoots the ball during the game against the Boston Celtics on December 7, 2016 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida Or. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Obviously, the extension deadline has passed and so the Orlando Magic are spending the year evaluating Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton to determine their value for restricted free agency. They will have their chance in July to negotiate with them or challenge them to bring back an offer sheet they will match.

Both Aaron Gordon and Elfrid Payton have their own interesting storylines and challenges when it comes to determining their worth.

Obviously, Gordon seems like a bigger sinch to get an offer matched or otherwise sign a new contract with the team. He has looked like a rejuvenated player, hitting pull-up and step-back 3-pointers with ease and pouring in a lot of points. In the Magic’s fast-break style, he fits in perfectly and flies well to the rim. The Magic have to like what they have seen from him.

At this point, it feels fairly certain the Magic would match any offer Gordon is presented. Even if it is a max offer sheet.

Payton is another matter.

It is hard to judge him too much because of his injuries this year. It is clear he is not 100 percent back yet. And that hurts his rhythm. When he is healthy, he is still undoubtedly the best point guard option on the team. And, if I am the Magic, I still lean toward re-signing him. It is hard to find a quality point guard. And Payton at least can start when he is on.

The question with him is how much to pay him. And that is going to get determined by whether Payton can play with any level of consistency. This is a big year for him. He deserves the season for more evaluation from new management and in this new system. That is something he has not gotten considering the injury.

At this point, Payton’s position on the team is a bit precarious.

Now to the math. . .

The Magic are going to spend a lot of their summer planning these two moves. It is safe to say with the roster as currently constructed, the Magic are not going to have a lot of maneuverability again.

As things stand now, the Magic have $78.2 million guaranteed for next year. The salary cap is expected to get set at $101 million. That means the Magic have about $23 million to spend before taking care of their own free agents.

It is safe to say, the Magic will spend a good chunk of that on Gordon and Payton — or whomever they select to replace them.

Barring any changes later this season — and trades seem likely closer to the deadline perhaps and certainly in the offseason — the Magic might have to roll things back. If this season is not a success, that will be much tougher to stomach.

The trade deadline for this team will be interesting for a Magic team that still has to define the direction it wants to head.The Gordon and Payton contracts will play a role in that too.