2016 NBA Free Agency: 1 move every team needs to make to be contenders

23 of 31

Apr 29, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Jeremy Lin (7) defends Miami Heat guard Goran Dragic (7) during the first half in game six of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Time Warner Cable Arena. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Orlando Magic

As mentioned in the previous slide, the Thunder sent Ibaka to Orlando, but at the cost of some big changes for the Magic. They parted ways with the lottery pick and Victor Oladipo. What remains for the Magic is a fairly interesting group. A developing core between Elfrid Payton at point guard, Aaron Gordan at power forward, and Mario Hezonja. The Magic had too many rookies to keep them all and not brought in a defensive veteran big with outside shooting to pair with Nikola Vucevic.

One of the surprises for the Magic in 2015-16, Evan Fournier, is a restricted free agent. Fournier played great for Orlando last season, averaging a career-high 15.4 points per game on 40 percent three-point shooting. The Magic should look to bring him back, but could also try and add another player through free agency. Signing a backup point guard who would bring playoff experience and consistency off the bench to fill in for some of the ball handling lost by Oladipo. He’d be an upgrade over Brandon Jennings. And with 45 million in cap space, the Magic should be able to bring back Fournier and make a decent offer to Lin. It’s been a long time since they’ve made the playoffs, but a player like Lin would give them a competitive edge for 2016.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers

Home/NBA