Orlando Magic Offseason Preview: 3 going and 3 staying in the rebuild

3 staying, 3 going for the Orlando Magic

Going: Robin Lopez

Robin Lopez is in a similar situation as Gary Harris. He is a veteran player with an expiring contract at a position the Magic are looking to develop.

Last year, Lopez shot just 59-percent from the charity stripe and averaged just 7.1 points per game.

Lopez came to the team understanding he was going to be the team’s utility player. He knew he was not going to play very much. The team would use him when necessary. But his role was to be a veteran leader in the locker room.

Lopez stepped in when his number was called upon and delivered that patented hook shot when asked for. Lopez was like one of the kids even with all of his experience.

But this always felt like a one-year thing. It was going to be hard to see Lopez return even if he had a great season.

With Jonathan Isaac set to come back next year after tearing his ACL and meniscus back in 2020, the frontcourt for the Magic will be clogged once again. Especially with the potential to draft another big in this year’s draft.

Mo Bamba’s restricted free agency decision could influence the Magic’s decision to bring Lopez back but there isn’t a scenario where they both come back. And the Magic are also fairly likely to guarantee Moe Wagner’s contract to fill that third center spot Robin Lopez filled.

If Bamba comes back then the Magic will let Lopez walk.