Orlando Magic Daily
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Orlando Magic Free Agency To-Do List

By Ryan Doyle

ORLANDO, FL - MAY 30: Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman introduces new Head Coach Steve Clifford during a press conference on May 30, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - MAY 30: Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman introduces new Head Coach Steve Clifford during a press conference on May 30, 2018 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 9: Mario Hezonja #8 of the Orlando Magic goes to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks on December 9, 2017 at Philips Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Give Hezonja one more chance

When the Orlando Magic declined Mario Hezonja’s fourth-year option before the season, it was widely criticized. The young Croatian had not lived up to his draft selection, but declining that option showed how little hope Orlando had in his future.

Fast forward to the end of the season and Hezonja may have plenty of suitors in free agency. He is coming off his best season as a pro. Hezonja shot 44.2 percent from the field, averaged 9.6 points per game and created an impressive highlight reel that had Magic fans dreaming of what he might become.

Sadly, there is a real chance the Magic are unable to bring him back. Due to the Magic declining his option, the most the organization can offer Hezonja is a contract with a starting salary $5.2 million per season. Other organizations can offer more and snatch him for a few more dollars. He is the perfect example of a player an NBA front office would (and should) take a risk on.

Hezonja’s departure may not impact a team that is still a few years from contention, but losing a lottery talent for nothing is a bad look for a Magic team desperate for talent.

Although they are in a bind due to their decision earlier this season, Orlando must work diligently to bring him back. At the very least he can provide an instant scoring punch off the bench.