Veteran Options
The Orlando Magic will not be eligible for the special hardship exception to create a new roster spot with one of their veteran players set to come off the injured list soon.
And it should be made clear the NBA’s third two-way spot would have to go to a young player. Two-way contracts are limited to players 25 years and younger.
Still, the Magic are likely aiming for a player who can help them compete for the postseason. They will likely look to veterans first if they could create the extra roster space.
Isaiah Thomas has recently been reported to be in talks with several NBA teams about a potential return. The former MVP candidate most recently played for the Washington Wizards where he appeared in 40 games.
Orlando Magic
Thomas averaged 12.1 points, 3.7 assists and 1.7 rebounds in 23.1 minutes per game last year. Most notably, he shot 41.3-percent from three on 4.7 attempts per game. After a small resurgence, the Washington native opted not to play the NBA Bubble and underwent resurfacing surgery on his right hip.
Thomas is still a capable player and while he may not be in the position to drop 50 points on any given night, his ability to shoot but also create opportunities for himself and his teammates is a valuable skill set, especially for the Magic.
Furthermore, Thomas has experience with playing with floor-spacing big men as he played with Al Horford during his tenure with the Boston Celtics. This could allow Thomas to play alongside Vucevic with little issue.
Another player that has been available is also a player that looking to make an NBA comeback.
Jeremy Lin has recently signed a contract with the Santa Cruz Warriors, the Golden State Warriors’ G-League affiliate.
Lin last played for the Beijing Ducks, a team in the CBA, and was previously on the Toronto Raptors’ roster that won the NBA Finals in 2019. Although it has been two years since he has played in the league, Lin could still produce in a small role.
In 50 games for the Atlanta Hawks, Lin averaged 10.7 points, 3.5 assists and 2.3 rebounds while shooting 33.3 percent from three. He also had the highest effective field goal percentage of his career at 52.3 percent.
Lin could play 10 to 15 minutes of competent guard play which would give Clifford one more ball handler in his rotation.
However, until the Magic decide to cut one of their 15 players, they will have to rely on G-league prospects or former players.
Here are three players the Magic could sign to their third two-way contract.