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5 Best free agents the Orlando Magic could target in 2024

By Sam LaFrance

Jan 25, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) is guarded by Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) in the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 25, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (24) is guarded by Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) in the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Malik Monk of the Sacramento Kings. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /

5 best free agents Orlando Magic could target in 2024

Malik Monk helps Orlando Magic strengthen depth

It may be a bit soon to start thinking about backcourt help for the Orlando Magic after the team just drafted Anthony Black and Jett Howard. But there is no guarantee that both players — or even one of them — pans out the way that the front office is hoping.

Should the rookies fail to impress — or the Magic decide it is time to move on from Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz or Jalen Suggs — then it would make sense for the Magic to pursue some added depth for their guard rotation, especially considering that it feels like the team is ready to start being competitive.

Enter Malik Monk.

The former Kentucky star’s contract with the Sacramento Kings is set to expire at the end of the upcoming season. If Orlando wants to bring in some bench scoring to aid the likes of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, then Malik Monk is a good option.

He is coming off of the most impactful season of his career. He appeared in 77 games for Sacramento and played about 22.3 minutes each time. Monk averaged 13.5 points per game while shooting 44.8 percent from the field and 35.9 percent from long range. His scoring average jumped up to 19.0 points per game as his minutes increased.

The reason why Monk is an appealing option for the not-so-distant Magic is because he likely would not cost them an arm and a leg. Realistically, the 24-year-old could ink his next deal — perhaps in the Sunshine State — for $15 million per season. On top of that, his age makes it less of a risk to offer him a longer deal.

Of course, Orlando might not even need to add guard depth if their draft picks pan out.