NBA Rumors: Orlando Magic may deal Jameer Nelson
Most pundits expect the Orlando Magic to be very active on Thursday night.
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After all, since Rob Hennigan took over as Magic general manager, the Magic have dealt center Dwight Howard, guard Jason Richardson, forward Earl Clark and guard J.J. Redick, among others, so they are certainly not hesitant when the right deal comes along.
Many believe if the Magic strike a deal, it will be to trade guard Arron Afflalo, but the Magic own another key asset in veteran Jameer Nelson.
Nelson has expressed his desire to remain with the Magic, but several teams, including the Chicago Bulls, are expected to show interest in the veteran point guard.
In fact, Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders believes Nelson is a player to watch on Thursday night.
"Keep an eye on Jameer Nelson on draft night; his $8 million contract is only partially guaranteed for next season, meaning for $2 million in cash, a team could clear $6 million in cap space. For those teams looking hard at free agents like Carmelo Anthony, Nelson’s contract is fairly attractive."
Nelson is entering the final year of his contract which is worth $8 million. An expiring contract like that could be expiring by itself but Nelson’s deal is also only partially guaranteed. The Magic, or any team that potentially acquires Nelson, can simply pay him $2 million to walk away into unrestricted free agency.
Nelson, who has spent his entire career with the Magic, averaged 12.1 points, 7.0 assists and 3.4 rebounds per game while shooting 39.4% from the field, 34.8% from beyond the arc and 85.7% from the free throw line.