NBA Free Agency: Magic Makes The Grade?
The Orlando Magic entered free agency among the teams with the most cap room to spend in the NBA.
However, the front office opted to keep the bulk last season's core together, fully guaranteeing the contracts of Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris along with re-signing Moe Wagner. Orlando's sole out-of-house move was signing veteran forward Joe Ingles to a two-year, $22 million contract.
But for its ability to keep its young core intact, CBS Sports granted Orlando a 'C' grade to start free agency.
"The Magic had a chance to add a foundational player this offseason, but instead devoted the bulk of their cap space to Joe Ingles and retaining Mo Wagner," CBS Sports writes. "Those aren't necessarily bad moves. The Magic needed more shooting, and they don't need to rush their additions as Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs will all still be under rookie deals next summer, giving them at least one more year with a pathway to significant cap space. Still, it's hard to grade the Magic above average when they added no notable long-term pieces in free agency."
While they may not be the flashiest moves, especially after rumors circulating on the Magic targeting the likes of Fred VanVleet and Max Strus, this offseason may feel a bit letdown to fans. However, with Orlando keeping its young pieces together, it's able to continue building on a team that finished last season 28-27 over its final 55 games.
And with next season's free agency cycle being more decorated, Orlando's front office will be able to use this upcoming year as a measure of what directions it's heading.
You can follow Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard.
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