Although Free Agency doesn’t start until August 6th, possible speculation surrounding big-name Free Agents have already begun. While the Orlando Magic don’t have any marquee free agents, one player has gained “strong interest” from playoff contenders. That player is journeyman James Ennis, who is coming off a career year in Orlando. In 41 games last season, Ennis averaged 8.4 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 1.5 APG, and 0.8 SPG (all career-highs). Ennis’ shooting was also at his best last season, going 47.3% from the field and 43.3% from three-point range. Signing older players that may be out of their prime is a risky business in the NBA. Despite this, teams ready to win now disregard this and go all in to win a championship.
So, with Ennis having unexpected value, will Orlando just let him walk, or will they try to get something in return? More importantly, which teams are interested in his expertise?
What Does Jame Ennis Have to Offer to a Playoff Contender?
To put it simply, his shooting and veteran leadership will make contenders want to add the seven-year veteran. Over his career, Ennis has never shot worse than 40.0% from the field and 32.0% from the three-point line, so his shooting has always been consistent. As previously mentioned, Ennis capitalized on his expanded playing time in Orlando and had his best shooting splits. Playoff teams would jump at the ability to add a consistent shooter like Ennis off their bench. Even though Ennis lacks playoff experience with just 22 total games, this shouldn’t overshadow his veteran leadership. To lead the 21-51 Magic to six wins for the rest of the season after trading veterans Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Evan Fournier is quite impressive. With his constant shooting and admirable leadership in the locker room, most teams should be interested. But, which teams will find themselves in the Ennis’ sweepstakes?
Teams That Should Try to Sign James Ennis in Free Agency
While most contending teams don’t have the money to sign Ennis, most teams still have the tools to acquire him. One of those is the Mid-Level Exception, which signs that player to a $9.5 million contract. Some teams could offer him the veteran’s minimum at $2.1 million, but that would be low-balling him. Here are three teams that could sign the polished veteran with these tools this offseason:
Denver Nuggets: While Denver will likely pay the luxury tax after extending Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, they still have the $9.5 million Mid-Level Exception that they can sign Ennis to. If Orlando offers Ennis a more lucrative deal, then the Nuggets could always do a sign-and-trade. Denver may have to give up future draft capital to obtain him, but it would be worth it, especially with Will Barton and JaMychal Green opting out of their player options.
Milwaukee Bucks: Even after winning their second NBA Championship this past summer, Milwaukee won’t be able to retain everyone. Three-point shooting specialist Bryn Forbes will reportedly decline his $2.4 million player option, and Bobby Portis will likely do the same with his $3.8 million player option. Ennis would be a cheap replacement for Milwaukee off the bench if Forbes and Portis aren’t resigned.
Dallas Mavericks: With a few moves, the Mavericks can clear enough salary cap for space to sign a max free agent. However, if Dallas wants to load up on veterans, then signing Ennis would make a lot of sense. In addition to using the Mid-Level Exception, Dallas could also see Josh Richardson ($11.6 million Player Option) and Willy Cauley-Stein ($4.1 million Team Option) leave, depending on if their options are picked up or not. Ennis would provide a key shooting spark on the Mavericks, who have struggled outside of Luka Doncic.