Mar 18, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Orlando Magic guard
Jameer Nelson(14) drives in between Golden State Warriors guard
Klay Thompson(11) and forward
David Lee(10) during the second quarter at Oracle Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Although the Orlando Magic could have a good chunk of salary cap space heading into the NBA offseason, don’t expect them to spend big.
According to Magic beat reporter Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, he doesn’t envision Orlando spending much this summer on big-name players.
While that may come across as a disappointment, in some ways it’s not surprising.
The Magic have the fourth and twelfth overall picks in this months NBA draft and they will look to use those selections, along with budding youngsters Victor Oladipo, Tobias Harris, Maurice Harkless and Nikola Vucevic, to build around.
The majority of the major free agents this summer, such as LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, Paul Pierce, Tim Duncan and Dirk Nowitzki, are expected to re-sign with their current teams or join a contender. One thing they wont consider is joining a Magic team that is still building itself back into another contender.
Now, that’s not to mean the Magic won’t spend and bring in free agents. Luol Deng is one name that has surfaced that could work for the Magic (I don’t think Deng comes to Orlando though). Lance Stephenson’s name has been floated around, while other young guys like Gordon Hayward and Isaiah Thomas (both restricted) may be possibilities. Whether they would fit into Rob Hennigan’s plan, and if the Magic would even have interest, remains to be seen though. This year’s free agent crop is deep with a number of veterans and young players available, so there won’t be a shortage of options.
The Magic are going to spend money — they could have as much as $22.7 million to use if they waive Jameer Nelson and a few other rotation players — but it’s not going to be on the big-name superstars.