Orlando Magic Free Agency Guide (Cap Info UPDATED page 37)

[OrlandoNed]

Horford once again had a terrible post season. I really hope we aren't suckered into bringing him here.

This isn't directed just at you Skin, but everybody here is just so picky when it comes to the top free agents. None of them are perfect but we should be glad if we land any major free agent.

i dont think its picky to look at a FA at 30, wanting a max deal, who annually has a major decline across the board in his performance over the past 5-6 years in the post season. Thats a red flag for me

Ok who do we sign then? Somebody here will have a problem with whoever you name that we actually have a chance at getting.

[ezzzp]

We need a legit superstar though Ned, I really feel like that's the only way to win a championship, and that's every organizations end goal. JUST adding Horford won't buy us more than a first round exit.

We need either,

A) Legit superstar from FA or via trade

or

B) Hope one of our young guys becomes a superstar (years away)


Having a team built like the Hawks is good and all (no superstar), but I don't think they are winning any championship's with that squad. Trying to compete for a championship in this day and age in the NBA without a superstar talent just isn't possible, in my opinion.

Yea, but what team doesn't just want a legit superstar....Rob can't just snap his fingers and poof one appears...

...he accomplished step 1a - which was to clear enough space for two max contracts - to help counter the fact that Orlando is a small market team, doesn't have a current star, and hasn't won a lot the past few years.

...he also accomplished step 1b - which was to build up assets to make a trade for a superstar in case the rarity happens and one becomes available...he is armed with youth, picks, and cap space to absorb salary...

If acquiring that superstar doesn't appear likely, then in the meantime, he brings in quality veterans to build a roster that wins as many games as possible and gives the team the best shot at making the playoffs.

In doing so he puts the young core in meaningful games while learning from quality veterans. The one consistent factor that shows up in both analytic studies and GM/Coaching discussions about what is the most effective factor for the development of young players: playing in meaningful games (playoffs).

In doing so he increases the appeal of the team for future free agents; he increases the value of the team's assets, and he increases the likelihood that one of the youth develops into that star and helps lure a second star, or that their value raises enough to package in a trade for that superstar.

[Skin]

This isn't directed just at you Skin, but everybody here is just so picky when it comes to the top free agents. None of them are perfect but we should be glad if we land any major free agent.

i dont think its picky to look at a FA at 30, wanting a max deal, who annually has a major decline across the board in his performance over the past 5-6 years in the post season. Thats a red flag for me

Ok who do we sign then? Somebody here will have a problem with whoever you name that we actually have a chance at getting.

We don't HAVE TO sign anyone this summer.

Our cap space can be saved for 2017. Henny already hinted that we won't waste it just to spend. We need to be calculative as we proceed. Our future depends on making smart decisions. Not take what we can get decisions.

[Skin]

We need a legit superstar though Ned, I really feel like that's the only way to win a championship, and that's every organizations end goal. JUST adding Horford won't buy us more than a first round exit.

We need either,

A) Legit superstar from FA or via trade

or

B) Hope one of our young guys becomes a superstar (years away)


Having a team built like the Hawks is good and all (no superstar), but I don't think they are winning any championship's with that squad. Trying to compete for a championship in this day and age in the NBA without a superstar talent just isn't possible, in my opinion.

Yea, but what team doesn't just want a legit superstar....Rob can't just snap his fingers and poof one appears...

...he accomplished step 1a - which was to clear enough space for two max contracts - to help counter the fact that Orlando is a small market team, doesn't have a current star, and hasn't won a lot the past few years.

...he also accomplished step 1b - which was to build up assets to make a trade for a superstar in case the rarity happens and one becomes available...he is armed with youth, picks, and cap space to absorb salary...

If acquiring that superstar doesn't appear likely, then in the meantime, he brings in quality veterans to build a roster that wins as many games as possible and gives the team the best shot at making the playoffs.

In doing so he puts the young core in meaningful games while learning from quality veterans. The one consistent factor that shows up in both analytic studies and GM/Coaching discussions about what is the most effective factor for the development of young players: playing in meaningful games (playoffs).

In doing so he increases the appeal of the team for future free agents; he increases the value of the team's assets, and he increases the likelihood that one of the youth develops into that star and helps lure a second star, or that their value raises enough to package in a trade for that superstar.

Yeah, and keep them at 1 year deals (Ben Gordon, Willie Green, Jason Smith). That way we maintain our cap flexibility each summer until we finally do lure in that Superstar FA.

[BadMofoPimp]

i dont think its picky to look at a FA at 30, wanting a max deal, who annually has a major decline across the board in his performance over the past 5-6 years in the post season. Thats a red flag for me

Ok who do we sign then? Somebody here will have a problem with whoever you name that we actually have a chance at getting.

We don't HAVE TO sign anyone this summer.

Our cap space can be saved for 2017. Henny already hinted that we won't waste it just to spend. We need to be calculative as we proceed. Our future depends on making smart decisions. Not take what we can get decisions.

I have a feeling that he will say that only if he completely strikes out in signing a decent free agent.

[Skin]

Ok who do we sign then? Somebody here will have a problem with whoever you name that we actually have a chance at getting.

We don't HAVE TO sign anyone this summer.

Our cap space can be saved for 2017. Henny already hinted that we won't waste it just to spend. We need to be calculative as we proceed. Our future depends on making smart decisions. Not take what we can get decisions.

I have a feeling that he will say that only if he completely strikes out in signing a decent free agent.

He doesn't need to be chasing any FA that isn't a legit star who could attract other stars.

If we wastes our cap on "decent" FAs, then

[ezzzp]

We need a legit superstar though Ned, I really feel like that's the only way to win a championship, and that's every organizations end goal. JUST adding Horford won't buy us more than a first round exit.

We need either,

A) Legit superstar from FA or via trade

or

B) Hope one of our young guys becomes a superstar (years away)


Having a team built like the Hawks is good and all (no superstar), but I don't think they are winning any championship's with that squad. Trying to compete for a championship in this day and age in the NBA without a superstar talent just isn't possible, in my opinion.

Yea, but what team doesn't just want a legit superstar....Rob can't just snap his fingers and poof one appears...

...he accomplished step 1a - which was to clear enough space for two max contracts - to help counter the fact that Orlando is a small market team, doesn't have a current star, and hasn't won a lot the past few years.

...he also accomplished step 1b - which was to build up assets to make a trade for a superstar in case the rarity happens and one becomes available...he is armed with youth, picks, and cap space to absorb salary...

If acquiring that superstar doesn't appear likely, then in the meantime, he brings in quality veterans to build a roster that wins as many games as possible and gives the team the best shot at making the playoffs.

In doing so he puts the young core in meaningful games while learning from quality veterans. The one consistent factor that shows up in both analytic studies and GM/Coaching discussions about what is the most effective factor for the development of young players: playing in meaningful games (playoffs).

In doing so he increases the appeal of the team for future free agents; he increases the value of the team's assets, and he increases the likelihood that one of the youth develops into that star and helps lure a second star, or that their value raises enough to package in a trade for that superstar.

Yeah, and keep them at 1 year deals (Ben Gordon, Willie Green, Jason Smith). That way we maintain our cap flexibility each summer until we finally do lure in that Superstar FA.

Ben Gordon and Willie Green were brought in during the tank...Jason Smith was brought in because he was cheaper than O'Quinn and kept the cap space available for this summer.

Rob Hennigan has already said he was going to add veteran experience...

With the Magic, $50 million under the salary floor and 6 roster spots to fill...money will get spent

I'm not sure the Magic are saving their money, saying that just gives them an out if they strike out...I mean who are the Magic saving their money for? What free agent superstar next summer are the Magic likely to get? and why would the Magic risk waiting by putting all their eggs in that basket?

http://hoopshype.com/2015/12/30/nba-free-agency-2017-the-top-players/

[Tayswagzzz]

2017 is also the year we pay Oladipo. Keep that man here!

[Bensational]

Henny has shown he has an eye for drafting talent. Because of that, I think he needs to be making moves to have more high draft picks in the future, even as we compete for the playoffs, until one of our players emerges as a superstar, or as a quality star player who can attract FAs.

[ezzzp]

2017 is also the year we pay Oladipo. Keep that man here!

They can, and exceed the salary cap to keep him, but they likely won't need to go over the cap since its jumping another $15-20m again next summer.

The only way they lose him is if he wants to force his way out and picks up his Qualifying Offer so that the Magic can't match offers next summer - and thus would enter unrestricted free agency in the summer of 2018.

[NavalAviator94]

Just read this article from Yahoo on the Magic's summer Agenda. One of the best I've read so far which is likely because it's coming from a seasoned front office Executive.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/summer-agenda--orlando-magic-223115600.html

[Bensational]

I'm not sure the Magic are saving their money, saying that just gives them an out if they strike out...I mean who are the Magic saving their money for? What free agent superstar next summer are the Magic likely to get? and why would the Magic risk waiting by putting all their eggs in that basket?

Why would the Magic risk putting all their eggs in the basket of Horford and Conley (for example) if they could?

Horford/Vuc
Gordon/?
Fournier/Hezonja
Dipo/Hezonja
Conley/Payton

Isn't that team capped out from here on out? So the only means of adding a superstar is through emerging talent, or trade.

But would emerging talent even get a chance to emerge? I mean, we're not the Spurs with an aging Duncan and a young Kawhi in this example, so I struggle to see prime players like Horford, Fournier, Dipo and Conley deferring to the likes of Gordon and Hezonja.

That leaves trading for a superstar. Who knows when the next one will become available, and which of our players will carry value at the time?

[Patrick1978]

We don't HAVE TO sign anyone this summer.

Our cap space can be saved for 2017. Henny already hinted that we won't waste it just to spend. We need to be calculative as we proceed. Our future depends on making smart decisions. Not take what we can get decisions.

I have a feeling that he will say that only if he completely strikes out in signing a decent free agent.

He doesn't need to be chasing any FA that isn't a legit star who could attract other stars.

If we wastes our cap on "decent" FAs, then

Hard to say if henny can sign horford ,it would be a nice move.
I think that it will be tough to get horford .
Henny said he wants to add some veterans so i think there will be some good additions .
I could see him target players like sessions ,mo williams ,brandon rush,mirza teletovic,kris humphries,
joakim noah(if he can get back to full health he would be a huge addition with his defense)

[Skin]

Yea, but what team doesn't just want a legit superstar....Rob can't just snap his fingers and poof one appears...

...he accomplished step 1a - which was to clear enough space for two max contracts - to help counter the fact that Orlando is a small market team, doesn't have a current star, and hasn't won a lot the past few years.

...he also accomplished step 1b - which was to build up assets to make a trade for a superstar in case the rarity happens and one becomes available...he is armed with youth, picks, and cap space to absorb salary...

If acquiring that superstar doesn't appear likely, then in the meantime, he brings in quality veterans to build a roster that wins as many games as possible and gives the team the best shot at making the playoffs.

In doing so he puts the young core in meaningful games while learning from quality veterans. The one consistent factor that shows up in both analytic studies and GM/Coaching discussions about what is the most effective factor for the development of young players: playing in meaningful games (playoffs).

In doing so he increases the appeal of the team for future free agents; he increases the value of the team's assets, and he increases the likelihood that one of the youth develops into that star and helps lure a second star, or that their value raises enough to package in a trade for that superstar.

Yeah, and keep them at 1 year deals (Ben Gordon, Willie Green, Jason Smith). That way we maintain our cap flexibility each summer until we finally do lure in that Superstar FA.

Ben Gordon and Willie Green were brought in during the tank...Jason Smith was brought in because he was cheaper than O'Quinn and kept the cap space available for this summer.

Rob Hennigan has already said he was going to add veteran experience...

With the Magic, $50 million under the salary floor and 6 roster spots to fill...money will get spent

I'm not sure the Magic are saving their money, saying that just gives them an out if they strike out...I mean who are the Magic saving their money for? What free agent superstar next summer are the Magic likely to get? and why would the Magic risk waiting by putting all their eggs in that basket?

http://hoopshype.com/2015/12/30/nba-free-agency-2017-the-top-players/

Bensational already responded with what I would've said.

By all means, we have to try for Durant/Whiteside... but if you're talking about Horford, Conley, Barnes, Parsons... then I'm not exactly thrilled.

2017 FAs
Curry, Westbrook, Griffin, CP3, Ibaka, Giannis, Lowry, Teague, Gobert, Millsap, Hewyard, Gallinari, Rose, Gay, Noel, Steven Adams, George Hill, Reddick, Korver, Bogut, Monroe, Iguodala, Schroeder, Mirotic, Taj, ZBo, Jrue, McCollum... the list goes on and on... and it doesn't include the FAs this year who might sign 1 year deals this summer... like Lebron, Dwight, KD possibly...

That list looks a lot better than this summer's list.

You also have to think that many of these guys will be on the trade block next season. Using up our money this summer just doesn't sound like a HAVE TO move regardless of what the unknown future holds.

[Skin]

Just read this article from Yahoo on the Magic's summer Agenda. One of the best I've read so far which is likely because it's coming from a seasoned front office Executive.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/summer-agenda--orlando-magic-223115600.html

I agree about the part where the Magic don't waste money if they strike out on big named FAs.

I also agree that they bring back Illy in that scenario because that helps them against the cap floor and he expires in 2017.

[ezzzp]

Why would the Magic risk putting all their eggs in the basket of Horford and Conley (for example) if they could?

Horford/Vuc
Gordon/?
Fournier/Hezonja
Dipo/Hezonja
Conley/Payton

Isn't that team capped out from here on out? So the only means of adding a superstar is through emerging talent, or trade.

But would emerging talent even get a chance to emerge? I mean, we're not the Spurs with an aging Duncan and a young Kawhi in this example, so I struggle to see prime players like Horford, Fournier, Dipo and Conley deferring to the likes of Gordon and Hezonja.

That leaves trading for a superstar. Who knows when the next one will become available, and which of our players will carry value at the time?

Why did you jump straight for Horford / Conley? As I have said before, I'll be fine with Horford if that's what we get, but he wouldn't be my first choice.

I laid out my plan on your "Plan the offseason" thread. Other than Parsons (who hadn't re-injured his knee yet) I'm sticking with it:

(1a) unlikely fantasy scenario:

EP | Oladipo | Durant | Gordon | Whiteside
+ Watson | Hezonja | Fournier | Vucevic

(1b) semi-realistic scenario:

Conley | Oladipo | Parsons or Batum | Gordon | Vucevic
+ EP | Hezonja | Fournier

(1c) feasible scenario:

...max out Parsons or Batum, then split remaining cap on Jordan Clarkson or Jeremy Lin and Festus Ezeli or Bismack Biyombo

EP | Oladipo | Parsons Batum | Gordon | Vucevic
Clarkson or Lin | Hezonja | Fournier | Ezeli or Biyombo

[ezzzp]

Bensational already responded with what I would've said.

By all means, we have to try for Durant/Whiteside... but if you're talking about Horford, Conley, Barnes, Parsons... then I'm not exactly thrilled.

2017 FAs
Curry, Westbrook, Griffin, CP3, Ibaka, Giannis, Lowry, Teague, Gobert, Millsap, Hewyard, Gallinari, Rose, Gay, Noel, Steven Adams, George Hill, Reddick, Korver, Bogut, Monroe, Iguodala, Schroeder, Mirotic, Taj, ZBo, Jrue, McCollum... the list goes on and on... and it doesn't include the FAs this year who might sign 1 year deals this summer... like Lebron, Dwight, KD possibly...

That list looks a lot better than this summer's list.

You also have to think that many of these guys will be on the trade block next season. Using up our money this summer just doesn't sound like a HAVE TO move regardless of what the unknown future holds.

Check out my response to Ben. I like Conley and he's 28 and deserves a max (if healthy) and if Rob has any chance, he should definitely sign him in my opinion. I believe the Magic need to add a back up PG or upgrade the position...they also need to resolve the SF position + they need to add a defensive center.

- If Conley is signed, the back up PG is filled by EP.
- If Batum is signed, its 50-50 that Fournier is let go.
- If a defensive center (Biyombo or Ezeli) are added, they either back up Vuc or vise versa (no matter what 1-2 bigs will be signed this summer (hopefully its an upgrade over Smith/Dedmon/Nicholson)

As far as next free agency...I see six names that are even remotely close to stars or worthwhile; the rest on that FA list aren't going anywhere, too old or injury prone...

Curry never happen
Westbrook
Griffin
CP3
Ibaka
Giannis RFA no way they let him go
Lowry will be 32
Teague
Gobert RFA no way they let him go
Millsap will be 32-36 next contract
Hayward
Rose Mr. Glass and no longer good
Gallinari Mr. Glass II
Gay Awgh helz no
Noel RFA no way they let him go
Steven Adams RFA no way they let him go
George Hill he's no star
Reddick he's no star and will be 32-36 next contract
Korver will be 37 and he's no star
Bogut will be 32 + injury prone
Monroe why? Vuc is better and cheaper
Iguodala will be 33
Schroeder RFA no way they let him go
Mirotic why? AG will be better
Taj will be 32
ZBo will be 36
Jrue hasn't been healthy since way before 76's traded him
McCollum RFA no way they let him go

[Bensational]

I'm not sure the Magic are saving their money, saying that just gives them an out if they strike out...I mean who are the Magic saving their money for? What free agent superstar next summer are the Magic likely to get? and why would the Magic risk waiting by putting all their eggs in that basket?

Why would the Magic risk putting all their eggs in the basket of Horford and Conley (for example) if they could?

Horford/Vuc
Gordon/?
Fournier/Hezonja
Dipo/Hezonja
Conley/Payton

Isn't that team capped out from here on out? So the only means of adding a superstar is through emerging talent, or trade.

But would emerging talent even get a chance to emerge? I mean, we're not the Spurs with an aging Duncan and a young Kawhi in this example, so I struggle to see prime players like Horford, Fournier, Dipo and Conley deferring to the likes of Gordon and Hezonja.

That leaves trading for a superstar. Who knows when the next one will become available, and which of our players will carry value at the time?

Horford and Conley were just examples, not specific to anything you had proposed. (They're a commonly listed pairing on this board).

I like all 3 of your proposals, but in general, I don't think any FA this summer not named Durant is good enough to propel a team to contending status.

So that's why I'm questioning the value in spending all our money on 2nd rate talent and limiting our window for acquiring legit championship talent. Or, what other options are available if we close the window on adding a superstar via free agency?

[Skin]

Bensational already responded with what I would've said.

By all means, we have to try for Durant/Whiteside... but if you're talking about Horford, Conley, Barnes, Parsons... then I'm not exactly thrilled.

2017 FAs
Curry, Westbrook, Griffin, CP3, Ibaka, Giannis, Lowry, Teague, Gobert, Millsap, Hewyard, Gallinari, Rose, Gay, Noel, Steven Adams, George Hill, Reddick, Korver, Bogut, Monroe, Iguodala, Schroeder, Mirotic, Taj, ZBo, Jrue, McCollum... the list goes on and on... and it doesn't include the FAs this year who might sign 1 year deals this summer... like Lebron, Dwight, KD possibly...

That list looks a lot better than this summer's list.

You also have to think that many of these guys will be on the trade block next season. Using up our money this summer just doesn't sound like a HAVE TO move regardless of what the unknown future holds.

Check out my response to Ben. I like Conley and he's 28 and deserves a max (if healthy) and if Rob has any chance, he should definitely sign him in my opinion. I believe the Magic need to add a back up PG or upgrade the position...they also need to resolve the SF position + they need to add a defensive center.

- If Conley is signed, the back up PG is filled by EP.
- If Batum is signed, its 50-50 that Fournier is let go.
- If a defensive center (Biyombo or Ezeli) are added, they either back up Vuc or vise versa (no matter what 1-2 bigs will be signed this summer (hopefully its an upgrade over Smith/Dedmon/Nicholson)

As far as next free agency...I see six names that are even remotely close to stars or worthwhile; the rest on that FA list aren't going anywhere, too old or injury prone...

Curry never happen
Westbrook
Griffin
CP3
Ibaka
Giannis RFA no way they let him go
Lowry will be 32
Teague
Gobert RFA no way they let him go
Millsap will be 32-36 next contract
Hayward
Rose Mr. Glass and no longer good
Gallinari Mr. Glass II
Gay Awgh helz no
Noel RFA no way they let him go
Steven Adams RFA no way they let him go
George Hill he's no star
Reddick he's no star and will be 32-36 next contract
Korver will be 37 and he's no star
Bogut will be 32 + injury prone
Monroe why? Vuc is better and cheaper
Iguodala will be 33
Schroeder RFA no way they let him go
Mirotic why? AG will be better
Taj will be 32
ZBo will be 36
Jrue hasn't been healthy since way before 76's traded him
McCollum RFA no way they let him go

Conley has already given the Grizzlies a warning that he may bolt if he doesn't see them making moves to be a true contender.

So I think if ORL is being honest with themselves that their only chance at landing Conley is by getting another star here. I don't think he signs here as the only big named FA. That said, I don't know if Conley and the current Magic squad is enough to entice Durant or Whiteside to come either... Is Conley and the Magic enough of a sell??? I have doubts. So getting 1 of KD/Whiteside will likely be a must in order to land Conley. If neither agree to come, Conley probably won't either. But yeah.... we should definitely chase as hard as we can.

Horford would be a bad investment, so I don't even want to entertain signing him. Especially when you compare him to the FAs in 2017.

Batum is a good player, but his fit on this team doesn't seem to jive. He's not a star that will lure other stars. He's old enough that he probably wants to win now... and there are other teams who can entice him more at this point than we can. Lastly, it sounds like CHA is not going to let money get in the way of bringing him back. I think he stays.

------

As for next year's list... you're getting way ahead of yourself. But I'll play... if we have the capability to max out 2 players, then I could see us having an easier time attracting them that we do this year. I expect our team will be better and our players like Oladipo, Hezonja and Gordon could have much better success in recruiting FAs than they do right now, if they continue to raise their games.

If KD doesn't return to OKC... Westbrook and Ibaka could easily be looking for new homes. 2 good targets for us there. If KD returns, then OKC will be locked up with some crazy big contracts between KD, Westbrook, and Ibaka. The new CBA is designed to make it harder for teams to build superteams with big money FAs. OKC already paying $18 per for Kanter. Adams could find himself a new home or honestly, traded before the deadline.

If KD signs a one year deal, we could chase him again next summer too. If we do that, we can pair him with Griffin.

Noel's name has already floated around the rumor mill. Don't see that changing, especially if they keep playing him out of position and Embiid returns.

Just too many options. I don't get why you're shutting down your foresight just because you are aimed at this year's FA. I would hope that our GM has both a short term plan and a long term plan with all kinds of options.

[ezzzp]

Conley has already given the Grizzlies a warning that he may bolt if he doesn't see them making moves to be a true contender.

So I think if ORL is being honest with themselves that their only chance at landing Conley is by getting another star here. I don't think he signs here as the only big named FA. That said, I don't know if Conley and the current Magic squad is enough to entice Durant or Whiteside to come either... Is Conley and the Magic enough of a sell??? I have doubts. So getting 1 of KD/Whiteside will likely be a must in order to land Conley. If neither agree to come, Conley probably won't either. But yeah.... we should definitely chase as hard as we can.

Horford would be a bad investment, so I don't even want to entertain signing him. Especially when you compare him to the FAs in 2017.

Batum is a good player, but his fit on this team doesn't seem to jive. He's not a star that will lure other stars. He's old enough that he probably wants to win now... and there are other teams who can entice him more at this point than we can. Lastly, it sounds like CHA is not going to let money get in the way of bringing him back. I think he stays.

You can say the same about any top tier free agent, they all want max and they all want to compete. It will be the same next year. Signing role players on 1 year deals to meet the salary floor is not going to change anything.

As I've said before, I'm pretty neutral about Horford - he adds talent and experience to the roster...but I'd prefer to add an Ezeli/Biyombo type player for less.

How would Batum not fit? He's a point forward, that can defend 2-3's well, and is an effective versatile scorer.

As for next year's list... you're getting way ahead of yourself. But I'll play... if we have the capability to max out 2 players, then I could see us having an easier time attracting them that we do this year. I expect our team will be better and our players like Oladipo, Hezonja and Gordon could have much better success in recruiting FAs than they do right now, if they continue to raise their games.

If KD doesn't return to OKC... Westbrook and Ibaka could easily be looking for new homes. 2 good targets for us there. If KD returns, then OKC will be locked up with some crazy big contracts between KD, Westbrook, and Ibaka. The new CBA is designed to make it harder for teams to build superteams with big money FAs. OKC already paying $18 per for Kanter. Adams could find himself a new home or honestly, traded before the deadline.

If KD signs a one year deal, we could chase him again next summer too. If we do that, we can pair him with Griffin.

Noel's name has already floated around the rumor mill. Don't see that changing, especially if they keep playing him out of position and Embiid returns.

Just too many options. I don't get why you're shutting down your foresight just because you are aimed at this year's FA. I would hope that our GM has both a short term plan and a long term plan with all kinds of options.

I'm getting way ahead of myself? You are the one who put up that list of players saying next offseason had so many more and better free agent options. I just gave you the reasons as to why your list of players are not really good options and next offseason isn't any different than this summer.

The notion that the Magic can sign $50m in 1 year deals to reach the floor so that they save their cap space for next summer is totally unrealistic.

Westbrook is as much of a pipe dream as Durant. Ibaka and Westbrook leaving OKC to team up elsewhere is even more unrealistic. The new CBA doesn't do anything against the cap inflation. OKC will have plenty of cap space and they can resign their own players over the cap anyhow: http://www.basketballinsiders.com/oklahoma-city-thunder-team-salary/

I don't get why you are ignoring the most important window for the Magic to elevate their talent and experience level. The Magic need to raise their talent and experience level now; they need to begin the transition into a playoff team asap, so that by the time the key core is approaching their prime in 2-3 years they have been playing in meaningful games for a couple of seasons and the culture/identity of the franchise has set in.