Raptors GM Jeff Weltman pegged to lead Magic front office
The Orlando Magic have hired Toronto Raptors general manager Jeff Weltman to be their president of basketball operations, the team announced Tuesday.
The Vertical’s Adrian Wojnarowski first reported that Weltman would be leaving the Raptors.
Weltman was hired by Toronto in July 2013 after five seasons as assistant general manager of the Bucks. With the Raptors, he worked under team president Masai Ujiri, regarded as one of the premier executives in the NBA.
"Jeff Weltman brings tremendous experience and a team-first approach to our president of basketball operations position," Magic CEO Alex Martins said. "Jeff is a strategic thinker and strong leader, has great relationships in the industry and will bring a collaborative approach to our basketball operations leadership."
Kevin McHale and Bucks GM John Hammond were reportedly the other two candidates for the job. Marc Stein reports that Weltman is expected to hire Hammond as the new GM of the Magic, which Wojnarowski confirmed Tuesday. Hammond and Weltman previously worked together in tandem in Milwaukee.
Bucks assistant GM Justin Zanik is expected to take over full general manager duties with Milwaukee.
The Magic had been searching for a new front office head after firing Rob Hennigan in April. Orlando had five straight losing seasons under Hennigan’s leadership, averaging 28.4 wins per season.
The Magic will have $14 million in salary-cap space to spend and currently have five unrestricted free agents on the roster.
