Hoops Rumors is taking a closer look at the 2024 offseason for each of the 30 NBA teams, summarizing the summer’s activities, including free agent signings, trades, draft selections, and player exits. We’ll examine the offseason maneuvers of each team and contemplate the possibilities that may arise before the start of the regular season. Today, our focus is on the Orlando Magic.
Free agent signings
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: Three years, $66,000,000. Includes a player option for the third year. Signed with cap space.
- Goga Bitadze: Three years, $25,000,000. Re-signed using Early Bird rights.
- Moritz Wagner: Two years, $22,000,000. Contains a team option for the second year. Re-signed through Bird rights and waived right to reject trade.
- Gary Harris: Two years, $15,000,000. Features a team option for the second year. Re-signed using Bird rights and waived right to reject trade.
- Cory Joseph: Two years, minimum salary ($6,772,731). Provides a team option for the second year. Signed using the minimum salary exception.
- Jarrett Culver: One year, minimum salary. Non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10). Signed via the minimum salary exception.
- Myron Gardner: One year, minimum salary. Non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10). Signed using the minimum salary exception.
- Tre Scott: One year, minimum salary. Non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10). Signed via the minimum salary exception.
- Jalen Slawson: One year, minimum salary. Non-guaranteed (Exhibit 10). Signed with the minimum salary exception.
Trades
- Obtained“`html
Other moves
- Agreed to a five-year maximum-salary rookie scale extension with Franz Wagner, set to commence in 2025/26. The projected value stands at $224,238,150 (initially at 25% of the salary cap). This amount could escalate to $246,661,965 (27.5% of the cap) or $269,085,780 (30% of the cap) should Wagner fulfill Rose Rule performance criteria. The contract also includes a 15% trade kicker.
- Renegotiated and extended Jonathan Isaac‘s contract, increasing his one-year $17.4MM deal. His salary for the 2024/25 season has risen by $7.6MM to $25MM, and he has been given an additional four-year, $59,000,000 contract. This deal includes partial guarantees for $8MM in the 2026/27 season, with the 2027/28 and 2028/29 seasons being non-guaranteed.
Salary cap situation
- Moved below the salary cap to utilize available room.
- Currently operating above the cap at $140.6MM but below the luxury tax threshold of $170.8MM.
- Maintaining a salary total of approximately $150.4MM.
- No hard cap restrictions are in place.
- A full room exception of $8MM is accessible.
The offseason so far
In recent years, the Magic have taken a measured approach to roster development, often re-signing their own veteran free agents to flexible, short-term contracts while enhancing their lineup with fresh talent from the draft and avoiding significant trades or expensive free-agent signings.
This offseason largely followed that strategy. Role players Goga Bitadze, Moritz Wagner, and Gary Harris were all re-signed as free agents, with Wagner and Harris entering into contracts that have become hallmarks of Orlando’s strategy: two-year deals featuring strong guaranteed salaries in the first year, and team options for the second year.
It’s uncertain whether another team would have been willing to offer Wagner $11MM or Harris $7.5MM for the 2024/25 season, but with Orlando operating well beneath the luxury tax threshold, they can easily accommodate those salaries. Furthermore, the Magic’s willingness to offer slightly higher figures may have granted them vital concessions—both contracts now include second-year team options, and both players consented to waive their rights to block trades, enabling the Magic to explore potential in-season deals for higher-salaried players by utilizing Wagner and/or Harris for salary matching.
Bitadze’s contract, which is guaranteed for three seasons, reflects his value in a free agent market that offered few reliable center options beyond Nic Claxton and Isaiah Hartenstein. Bitadze is somewhat undervalued; entering his age-25 season, he started 33 games for a playoff team and achieved a career-best shooting percentage of 60.3%, while averaging 1.2 blocks in just 15.4 minutes per game. Together with Wendell Carter and Wagner, the Magic now possess three competent—“`html
L’investimento su Wagner (un previsto $224MM+ su cinque anni, a partire dalla stagione 2025/26) può risultare difficile da digerire per un giocatore che non ha mai registrato una media di 20 punti a partita, ha realizzato il 28.1% dei suoi tiri da tre nella scorsa stagione e ha deluso in Gara 7 della sconfitta al primo turno contro Cleveland (con sei punti e 1 su 15 al tiro). Questo contratto riflette più la fiducia dei Magic in ciò che il 23enne potrebbe diventare piuttosto che nel suo stato attuale. Tuttavia, mi sentirei un po’ più tranquillo se Orlando fosse riuscita a far concordare a Wagner un contratto simile a quello di Desmond Bane, leggermente al di sotto del massimo.La rinegoziazione e l’estensione del contratto di Isaac ($84MM in totale nei prossimi cinque anni) potrebbero, in realtà, rivelarsi il miglior affare tra i due. Questo può sembrare strano a prima vista, poiché l’ala ha registrato solo 15.8 minuti a partita in 58 presenze nella scorsa stagione. Tuttavia, si trattava della sua prima stagione completa dopo aver saltato la maggior parte di tre anni a causa di problemi al ginocchio, e quando è in forma, Isaac è uno dei giocatori difensivi più incisivi della lega.
I Magic hanno avuto un rating netto di +10.9 quando Isaac era in campo lo scorso anno, rispetto a un -0.3 quando era in panchina. Inoltre, il suo nuovo contratto, che scenderà a circa $15MM all’anno a partire dal 2025, è garantito solo per i prossimi due anni, con una garanzia parziale nel 2026/27 e stipendi non garantiti nelle ultime due stagioni.
Oltre a ri-signare i propri giocatori, i Magic hanno continuato ad aggiungere giovani talenti al loro roster durante il draft. La selezione numero 18 di quest’anno è stata il primo pick più basso di Orlando dal 2012, quindi la squadra probabilmente non si aspetta molto da Tristan Da Silva come rookie. Tuttavia, l’ex ala dell’Università del Colorado, che ha realizzato il 39.5% dei suoi tiri da tre negli ultimi due anni di college, sembra essere una scelta sensata per un roster che ha chiuso all’ultimo posto tra le 30 squadre NBA per tiri da tre realizzati nel 2023/24.
L’estate del 2024 si è discostata dai recenti periodi di off-season dei Magic in un modo cruciale. Dopo aver vinto 47 partite, la squadra era pronta per un investimento maggiore aggiungendo un“`html
Trevelin Queen is currently the sole player in Orlando on a two-way contract. Meanwhile, non-guaranteed signings like Mac McClung, Jalen Slawson, Tre Scott, and Myron Gardner may compete for the available roster spots. Additionally, the team might monitor the waiver wire to identify any intriguing candidates that could become available before the start of the season.
It is important to highlight that the Magic are currently operating approximately $20MM beneath the luxury tax threshold. Very few NBA teams possess such financial flexibility at this juncture; only the Pistons, Jazz, and Spurs have smaller salary commitments for the 2024/25 season. This financial positioning could position Orlando as a favorable trade partner for teams looking to reduce their payroll, although any trade of this nature is more likely to happen during the regular season than in the preseason.
Two players from the Magic’s rotation are eligible for extensions until October 21, both presenting interesting scenarios. We will begin with Jalen Suggs, a former No. 5 overall pick who is in line for a rookie scale extension.
Unlike Wagner, Suggs is not expected to receive a maximum-salary offer. However, following a season in which he successfully made 39.7% of his three-point attempts and earned All-Defensive second team honors, the 23-year-old’s value has significantly increased, making an extension likely to be costly.
In the year leading up to his five-year, $131MM rookie scale extension with Minnesota, Jaden McDaniels averaged 12.1 PPG along with a .398 three-point shooting percentage and provided excellent defense. It is reasonable to anticipate that Suggs’ representatives will reference that contract during negotiations with Orlando, arguing that Suggs (who averaged 12.6 PPG, with a .397 three-point percentage and noteworthy defensive skills) deserves a comparable contract, or potentially even a larger one, considering his increased offensive role.
Carter will become eligible for a veteran extension on October 1, granting Orlando a three-week period to finalize an agreement. He still has a couple of years remaining on his current contract; hence, if the parties do not reach an agreement this offseason, they will have another opportunity in 2025.
As mentioned, Orlando has plenty of options at the center position, but Carter—a competent defender who can also stretch the floor—stands out as the preferred choice and has garnered attention from teams in need of a big man, including the Pelicans. If the Magic can secure his services at a reasonable price, I expect they will do so. However, it will likely necessitate a significant increase from his current contract, which is set to pay him $22.8MM over the next two seasons. The Magic would be limited to offering him a starting salary of up to 140% of next season’s projected average salary.
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Orlando Magic 2024 Offseason Recap: Key Signings, Trades, and Future Prospects
Overview of the 2024 Offseason
The 2024 offseason for the Orlando Magic has been one of transformation and strategic planning. With a keen focus on building a competitive roster, the Magic have made several key moves in free agency and trades. This recap highlights the most significant signings, trades, and what the future holds for the team.
Key Free Agency Signings
The Orlando Magic have been active in the free agency market, bringing in talent across various positions to bolster their lineup. Here are the most notable signings:
- F Josh Green – 4 Years, $50 Million: Green’s versatility and defensive prowess make him a valuable addition to the Magic’s roster. His ability to shoot from beyond the arc will open up space for other players.
- PG Tyus Jones - 3 Years, $30 Million: Jones provides stability and experience at the point guard position, complementing the Magic’s young core.
- F/C Jalen Smith - 4 Years, $45 Million: Smith’s athleticism and rebounding ability will enhance the Magic’s frontcourt depth.
Trades That Shaped the Roster
The Magic have also been involved in significant trades that have impacted their roster composition:
- Trade with the New York Knicks: The Magic traded C Mo Bamba and a future second-round pick for SF Cam Reddish. This move not only adds depth to the wing positions but also brings in a player with high potential.
- Trade with the Sacramento Kings: The Magic sent PG Markelle Fultz and a first-round pick in 2025 in exchange for PF Keegan Murray. Murray’s scoring ability and size will make him a crucial part of the team’s future plans.
Impact of New Additions
The integration of new players into the existing roster can significantly influence the team’s performance. Here’s how the recent signings and trades will impact the Orlando Magic:
Strengthened Backcourt
With the addition of Tyus Jones, the Magic have enhanced their backcourt. His leadership and playmaking ability will provide the younger guards, like Cole Anthony, with guidance and mentorship.
Versatile Frontcourt
Jalen Smith’s presence alongside established players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner gives the Magic a versatile frontcourt capable of stretching the floor. This not only improves offensive options but also boosts defensive versatility.
Increased Wing Depth
The trade for Cam Reddish adds to the Magic’s wing depth, allowing for more strategic matchups against opposing teams. Reddish’s length and defensive capabilities can disrupt opposing offenses, making him a key asset.
Future Prospects: What Lies Ahead?
The Magic’s current roster presents a blend of youth and experience, setting the stage for a promising future. Here are some prospects to watch as the season progresses:
Player Development
Investing in player development will be crucial for the Magic. Young talents like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are expected to take significant strides in their games. The coaching staff’s ability to harness their potential will determine the team’s success.
Potential Trade Targets
As the season unfolds, the Magic may explore further trades to solidify their roster. Potential targets could include established veterans who can provide additional scoring and defensive support. Keeping an eye on teams looking to offload contracts or rebuild will be essential.
Building Team Chemistry
As new players integrate into the team, establishing chemistry will be a priority. Pre-season training camps and early-season matchups will be critical for fostering relationships on and off the court.
Benefits of the 2024 Offseason Moves
The strategic moves made by the Orlando Magic during the 2024 offseason come with several benefits, including:
- Enhanced Competitive Edge: The integration of skilled players allows the Magic to be more competitive in the Eastern Conference.
- Depth in Key Positions: With more depth at various positions, the team can handle injuries better and maintain performance throughout the season.
- Long-term Success: The focus on young talent and solid contracts indicates a commitment to long-term growth and success.
Statistical Overview of Recent Player Movements
To better understand the impact of the offseason moves, here’s a quick statistical overview of the new players:
Player Position 2023 Stats (PPG/RPG/APG) Contract Length Josh Green F 12.5 / 4.0 / 2.5 4 Years Tyus Jones PG 10.5 / 3.0 / 5.0 3 Years Jalen Smith F/C 9.0 / 6.5 / 1.0 4 Years Keegan Murray PF 15.0 / 4.5 / 2.0 4 Years Cam Reddish SF 13.0 / 3.5 / 1.5 2 Years Conclusion
The Orlando Magic’s 2024 offseason has set the stage for an exciting season ahead. With key signings and strategic trades, the team is positioned to make a significant impact in the league. As the players adjust to their new roles and build chemistry, fans have plenty to look forward to in the coming season.
By focusing on player development and maintaining a competitive edge, the Magic are on a path toward success in the NBA, and their future prospects look increasingly bright.
