Early offseason targets to fill Orlando Magic’s need on the wings

The Unknown

The truth of the matter is, it is still really difficult to project much about this offseason.

The Orlando Magic likely has only its draft pick and the mid-level exception (along with minimum contracts) to add new players this offseason. Even if Evan Fournier picks up his option, the Magic are going to want to use these tools to add some depth to the roster, especially on the wing.

Fournier’s decision remains the great unknown for the entire offseason. That will have major effects on roles and the kinds of players the Magic chase after. It will also affect how much the team wants to spend — Orlando is dangerously close to the tax level as it is and nobody wants to pay the tax for a 7-seed.

The other unknown, of course, is the trade market.

Orlando is still likely biding its time to push in for the right star to put the roster over the top. The Magic can afford to wait because of their youth for internal development to push them to the next level. But they are certainly going to hunt the trade market for ways to make the team better too.

Orlando will not be limited to limited free-agent or draft options to get better. But it is too hard to say which direction teams will go. The playoffs play a big role in setting player values and team priorities as they get put through the test of the postseason — just on the Magic front, a good playoff series from someone like Mohamed Bamba could make them feel ready to move him into the starting lineup, etc.

The team though will have some options to sort through to bolster the roster.

Shooting will undoubtedly be an important skill to hunt out. With the Magic’s shooting weakness, it feels like every move the Magic make this offseason will have to have an eye on improving this skill.

But the Magic have always sought out players that fit their style, believing they can improve shooting. The big move the Magic have to make is the big one to improve internally or add a star from outside the team. And that is still too hard to predict.

Whether Orlando goes through the draft or free agency, there are a few options the Magic can pursue to improve their wing depth.

And that is where I would expect them to spend some of their capital.