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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Sacramento Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (8) defends against Orlando Magic forward Jonathon Simmons (17) in the first quarter on Friday, March 9, 2018 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS via Getty Images)
Sacramento Kings guard Bogdan Bogdanovic (8) defends against Orlando Magic forward Jonathon Simmons (17) in the first quarter on Friday, March 9, 2018 at the Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif. (Hector Amezcua/Sacramento Bee/TNS via Getty Images) /

The bargain bin

The Orlando Magic are not in a great cap situation. According to RealGM, the Magic will have just shy of $20 million to work with in free agency. Aaron Gordon’s contract will eat up almost all of that amount. That leaves the Magic with just the full mid-level exception of $8.6 million to offer.

The limited flexibility will force the Magic to be extremely smart with their money. They may be patient and wait until the initial frenzy ends to grab a player. One who may have fell between the cracks because of an unusual market, or limited interest.

There are a few players who fit the “bargain bin” mold.

Guard Seth Curry, who is returning from injury, center Arron Baynes and guard Wayne Ellington are all players who may not have the market they deserve.

While they may not move the needle much, they play their roles well. Plus, they are comfortable coming off the bench. As the Magic continue to build a viable roster, adding veterans and taking chances on players with something to prove could land them a hidden gem.

While a player like Curry will not become a star, he may develop into a trade asset in the near future. The best organizations in the NBA consistently land under-the-radar free agents and turn them into key contributors.

The Magic did a good job scrounging the bargain bin to get Jonathon Simmons on a reasonable deal last summer. Everyone praised president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman for his patience to get this growing player.

This will be the final step for Orlando. A great way to round out a largely young roster with savvy veterans that know a thing or two about winning.

The Magic will have a lot of time to explore the trade market too. That operates a bit independently of free agency. For now, the team is going to operate as best it can to fill the holes in the roster with the options available to it.

Next: OMD Roundtable: Draft recap

The Magic certainly have their work cut out for them. and plenty to do in free agency to get there.