There’s no doubt that the Orlando Magic will be quite active this offseason. In wake of the club’s eighth losing season in the last ten years, General Manager Jeff Weltman and Head Coach Steve Clifford know that changes need to be made inside the rotation and roster. With a projected $31 million in cap space this summer, there are plenty of players Orlando can add through Free Agency to change the complexion of the roster for years to come. Luckily, Weltman and Clifford won’t need to add talent at every position. For instance, adding another ball-handler wouldn’t make sense, with already having Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, and R.J. Hampton under contract. However, addressing the shooting guard or small forward position would go a long way for rebuilding the Magic. From restricted to unrestricted Free Agency, there are three guard/forward wings that stand out as good options to pursue this offseason.
The Magic’s #1 Target: Demar DeRozan, SF, San Antonio Spurs
Despite contributing to a struggling Spurs team, DeRozan has been having one of the best seasons of his career. In 61 games this season, DeRozan averaged 21.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, and a career-high 6.9 APG in 33.7 MPG. DeRozan did struggle behind the three-point line though, going 25.7% on 1.2 attempts per game. It would be ideal for Orlando if DeRozan can improve his shooting, since that will quickly help space the floor for Jonathan Isaac and Wendell Carter Jr. Even if DeRozan’s shooting woes still struggle, he still gives the Magic a primary scorer who can create offense for himself. After signing a five-year, $139 million contract with the Toronto Raptors in 2016, DeRozan will likely search for another high paycheck before his retirement. A possible contract offer like a four-year, $85 million contract may just seal the deal for DeRozan.
The Magic’s #2 Target: Malik Monk, SG, Charlotte Hornets
Like DeRozan, Monk also posted one of his best statistical seasons of his NBA career this year. Even playing in a crowded backcourt with Devonte’ Graham, LaMelo Ball, and Terry Rozier, Monk still found ways to provide offense. Monk notched multiple career-highs this season with 11.7 PPG and 2.4 APG. Unfortunately, there are concerns with Monk’s injury history. Just this season, Monk missed 30 games with numerous ankle injuries. Despite this, Monk’s consistent shooting makes him such an intriguing player to target. Monk’s shooting numbers went rather unnoticed, despite going 43.4% from the field and 40.1% from three-point range this season. While Monk may be labeled as a “high-risk, high-reward” type player, he’s got loads of upside, especially with him only being 22-years-old. Monk would be a much cheaper option than DeRozan, too, as the Magic could use their $9.5 million Mid-Level Exception on Monk.
The Magic’s #3 Target: Duncan Robinson, SG, Miami Heat
If the Magic desire to get a shooting specialist, Duncan Robinson is their guy. At 27-years-old, Robinson became the fastest player in league history to record 500 three-pointers, as he did so in a 124-107 win against Cleveland. Robinson’s averages of 13.1 PPG, 3.5 RPG and 1.8 APG may not be impressive, but Robinson did play the entire 72-game season. Robinson’s aforementioned shooting was excellent all year long as well, going 43.9% from the field and 40.8% from downtown. Like Monk, Robinson was usually the team’s fourth or fifth option but still had good games. Robinson is more proven than Monk and has some championship experience from Miami’s NBA Finals run. The only knock on Robinson is his price tag. According to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski, Robinson may receive a deal worth $20 million per year from another team, so Orlando needs to be willing to pay up.