The Orlando Magic won 47 regular season games and were back in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. They pushed the Cavaliers to Game 7, but could not advance beyond the opening round. Orlando has a young roster, but changes must be made if the Magic want to build on this year’s run.
They could create $55-plus million in cap space this summer and will still have their core intact. The Magic need playmaking, shooting, and overall scoring punch after finishing 22nd in offensive rating this season.
It is not the strongest free agent class, but Orlando has been linked to Klay Thompson. He helped the Warriors win four championships, and the Magic will have to pay handsomely to convince him to leave the Bay Area. Instead, Orlando should target these talents.
5. Derrick Jones Jr.
Nobody is saying Jones Jr. is a better player than Thompson, but value is relative to several things. The 27-year-old is in his prime on a minimum contract with the Mavericks this season. He has been outstanding, especially on the defensive end, and will certainly get a raise this summer. At best, Jones Jr. gets $5-10 million per season from a new team.
Thompson made $43.2 million this season. Yes, he is expected to take a pay cut in free agency, but paying him $25-30 million is still a hefty chunk of the Magic’s cap space.
Orlando desperately needs a point guard and offensive engine. Their free agent options are not stellar, but having cap space helps the Magic in a trade, especially as several teams will be looking to dump contracts this summer.
The Magic should save on the wing to get a marquee lead ball-handler. If they sign Derrick Jones Jr., it leaves the door open to acquiring a star guard to round out their roster. It does not have to be DJJ in Orlando as the Magic have several lower-cost options.
4. Kelly Oubre Jr.
Oubre just finished a one-year minimum contract with the 76ers where he averaged 15.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 1.1 steals in 30.7 minutes per game. He is a career 32.7 percent 3-point shooter, which won’t solve Orlando’s spacing issues. There is still plenty to like if they can convince him to join the Magic.
The 28-year-old is in the middle of his prime and capable of creating shots. Orlando desperately needed more offensive punch in the playoffs. He can play 30-plus minutes every night and drop 15 points. There are concerns about his jumper, defense, and playmaking, but the Magic are not exactly known as a free-agent destination.
What is the market for the 6’7 wing this summer? Not many players go from making the minimum to getting a massive contract. Oubre may earn the non-taxpayer mid-level exception of $12.8 million, but it is difficult to see him getting more.
Klay Thompson turned down a $24 million per season extension from the Golden State Warriors. Why would he take less to come to Orlando? The Magic can get Kelly Oubre Jr. for half that price and focus the majority of their cap space on filling other needs like finding a lead ball-handler and floor spacers.
3. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
KCP could be on the move this summer. He has a $15.4 million player option, and the Nuggets are facing a financial crunch. If he opts out in hopes of getting a raise, Caldwell-Pope may be searching for a new team.
The 6’5 wing won his second ring in 2023 and is one of the best 3-and-D options in the NBA. Over the last five seasons, KCP has made 40.3 percent from 3-point range and four playoff appearances. His numbers do not jump off the screen, but Caldwell-Pope is happy playing a role and helping his team win.
The Magic desperately need shooting and should be searching for a 3-and-D wing. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will still be key parts of their offense. Orlando must develop them into stars if they want to jump into title contention. Their other standout should be a ball-handler who can create easier shots for every player on the floor.
Klay Thompson is no longer a lockdown defender. He will space the floor and score 18-plus every night, but finding a defensive matchup is a must. KCP can check at the point of attack and is happy spacing the floor. He will get less than Thompson in free agency and is a superior fit in Orlando.
2. Brandon Ingram
The Pelicans star is already popping up in trade rumors, and the playoffs are still in full swing. New Orleans must make changes, and Ingram could have a new address to start the 2024-25 campaign.
The 26-year-old is just entering his prime and has scored over 20 points per game for five straight years. He is an elite bucket getter who averaged 5.7 assists per game this season. Over the last five years, Ingram has made 37.2 percent of his 3-point attempts. The 6’8 forward would give the Magic the elite offensive weapon they need and could allow them to play a supersized lineup that creates matchup issues.
Ingram’s playmaking makes acquiring him over Klay Thompson a no-brainer. The Magic would have to trade for BI. He is set to make $36.0 million next season in the final year of his contract. Orlando must make sure he is willing to sign a long-term deal, but it could help both parties reach a new level.
If the Orlando Magic do not want to trade for a star wing, they could look to sign one in free agency. Winning the bidding war won’t be easy, but moving from the West back to the Eastern Conference may appeal to this nine-time All-Star.
1. Paul George
George may be the best available free agent this summer. He spent the last five years in Los Angeles playing next to Kawhi Leonard. They were supposed to form an annual title contender, but injuries and unfortunate events led the Clippers to just three playoff series wins. George remains an elite two-way player, and this could be the moment to move on.
The Clippers want him back, but no extension has been reached. PG13 just turned 34 and it is fair to question how many elite years he has left. It would likely take a max contract to convince him to come to Orlando. It is a risky move but would give the Magic the elite scorer they want.
George is a top 25 player in the NBA right now. He is an elite shooter and defender to go with his scoring. The 6’8 wing could help the Magic reach the next level, and Orlando should certainly pay PG13 over Klay Thompson if given the option in free agency.
The Orlando Magic want to make a splash this summer. Whether it is singing a marquee free agent or making a blockbuster trade, expect the franchise to be aggressive. The Magic showed they are on the rise, but need more talent to take the next step.