When it comes to Free Agency, it’s more than just a period in the summer where teams can shake up their roster with new talent. Rather, it gives teams like the Orlando Magic the ability to resign their young, emerging talent. Since Orlando extended Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac early this season, Orlando will only have to deal with seven players that have their contracts set to expire this offseason. President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman and the next Head Coach of the Magic will likely have a large say in whom they resign. Despite this, Orlando will have to keep in mind how many players they decide to resign since they’ll only have $12-15 million to spend in Free Agency. With this being said, here are all of Orlando’s upcoming Free Agent players entering Free Agency this summer:
Otto Porter Jr., SF, Unrestricted Free Agent
Despite being one of the valuable trade pieces the Magic got back in the Nikola Vucevic trade, Porter Jr’s stint in Orlando will be short-lived. After playing in just three games with Orlando, Porter Jr. missed the rest of the season due to a foot injury. This isn’t Porter Jr’s first big injury though, as he hasn’t played in all 82 games in a single season throughout his seven-year career. To make matters worse, Porter Jr. just finished with one of his worst statistical seasons to date. In 28 games this season, Porter Jr. averaged 9.7 PPG, 5.4 RPG, and 2.0 APG in 21.6 MPG. From a fan’s standpoint, this may look like a good stat-line, but Porter Jr. averaged his lowest Point and Rebound totals since his second season in the league. With Porter Jr’s $28 million player option expiring, Orlando should have no business in retaining him.
James Ennis, SF, Unrestricted Free Agent
After returning to the Magic on a one-year, $3.3 million contract in 2020, Ennis is set to become an unrestricted Free Agent. While Ennis did deal with multiple injuries throughout the 2020-2021 season, he was still able to have a positive impact on the floor. In 41 games with Orlando, Ennis averaged 8.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, and 1.5 APG while shooting 47.3% from the field and 43.3% from downtown. While Ennis isn’t known for being a dominant offensive player, his averages of 8.4 PPG and 1.5 APG were his highest since the 2015-2016 season. Ennis’ leadership did go a long way while playing on one of the youngest teams in the league. With Orlando expected to have around $12-15 million to spend in Free Agency, Orlando will have enough room to retain the 30-year-old if they choose to do so.
Ignas Brazdikis, SF/PF, Restircted Free Agent
After a rocky rookie season in New York, the Magic decided to take a chance on Brazdikis by signing him to a two-way contract for the rest of the season. In eight games with Orlando, Brazdikis didn’t disappoint, averaging 11.1 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 2.0 APG in 29.3 MPG. Even with the return of Jonathan Isaac next season, Brazdikis won’t have his role diminished due to his shooting ability. Brazdikis shot 44.3% from the field and 40.7% from downtown on the Magic, and should only be able to improve his numbers next season. As a big man who can score at all three levels, Brazdikis should be near the top of the list of Free Agents the Magic should retain.
Moritz Wagner, PF/Center, Restricted Free Agent
If you want to talk about having a rocky start, look no further than Wagner’s. In just two seasons, Wagner has made his way to four different teams, including the Magic. While it’s hard to bounce from team to team like Wagner’s done, he’s made the most of his trip to Orlando. In eleven games with the Magic, Wagner averaged 11.0 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 1.1 APG in 26.0 MPG while shooting 40.9% from the field and 37.2% from three-point range. Like Brazdikis, Wagner is another big man that thrives on shooting the ball. For just this reason alone, along with him only being 24-years-old, Orlando should try to resign Wagner this summer.
Chasson Randle, PG, Unrestricted Free Agent
During his 41 games in Orlando, Randle quickly established himself as a solid backup option with his superb shooting. In just 20.4 MPG, Randle averaged 6.5 PPG, 2.0 RPG, and 1.8 APG on a depleted Magic squad. In spite of this, Randle’s shooting was still his strong suit, going 38.8% from the field and 33.8% from three-point range. For being 6’2 and 185 pounds, Randle was a very physical defender, notching 22 total steals in those 41 games. It’s safe to say that Randle was one of Orlando’s Free Agent signings that panned out (so far), and may have guaranteed himself a role on the bench moving forward.
Sindarius Thornwell, SG, Restricted Free Agent
Unfortunately for Thornwell, it’s highly unlikely that he’s in Orlando’s long-term plans. After being signed by the Magic in early May, Thornwell played in just seven games, all off the bench. Thornwell wasn’t too effective in his limited time on the floor, either, averaging 3.4 PPG, 1.9 RPG, and 2.4 APG in 20.6 MPG. With Orlando already boosting so much young talent in their backcourt, there won’t be much opportunity for Thornwell to fit in next season. With Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, and R.J. Hampton leading the backcourt, it should be in Orlando’s best interest to move on from Thornwell.
Frank Mason III, PG, Restricted Free Agent
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Similar to Thornwell, Mason was a late addition to Orlando at the end of the season for depth. While Mason did have his struggles in Orlando’s rotation, he still managed to average 6.3 PPG, 3.0 RPG, and 3.0 APG in 19.8 MPG. Unfortunately for Mason, he would later strain his right groin in his first career start, ending his season altogether. Before his season-ending injury, Mason showed possible flashes of being a guard that would facilitate off the bench. However, Mason may not have the chance to reach his full potential next season in Orlando’s crowded backcourt.