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Smith wants to stay

F Jason Smith can become a free agent this summer, but he feels like he's found a niche in Orlando.

A seven-year veteran, Smith signed a one-year, $4.3 million contract with the Magic last summer.

"I like it here. The coaching staff knows what they're going to get out of me. We're on the same page. For me, it's really about helping these young guys develop and knowing my role," Smith said.

"I'd love to be here. It's a challenge to continually move every year, but you know what? It's a great job. You can't complain. I get to do what I love for a living. And I never complain about that no matter if it's here or someplace else or if I have to move a couple times. It's still an amazing opportunity for me."

Starting with the reasonable assumption that Smith will not be traded, this means that it is Management's intention to resign Smith. What is his value to Orlando?

Pros: Smith is a valuable bench player with a defined NBA skill (his mid-range J). He can provide anything from emergency starter to 3rd stringer with no change in attitude, and can bang out a 15 mpg stat line game in and game out. He is a great locker-room presence and has a lot to teach younger players.

Cons: He will be 30 years old and is already starting to show statistical declines in his game.

he options thus are from:
Orlando could offer a 1-year deal, and Smith might walk as he is probably expecting to sign his last-ever NBA contract.
all the way to:
Orlando could lock Smith up for the rest of his career on a 4 or 5 year deal and take a chance on paying for non-performance.

His salary line seem fairly clear at 5-7 million a year. It is hard to see him above or below that number, annually.

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2 years for 5-6 per are fine with me. I like this guy, simple as that. He seems very down to earth and is a hard worker. Of course he's got his limitations but with that price range I'm fine with his play. Reliable midrange jumper, hustle plays, commitement. Re-sign this guy.

He's the one vet I don't mind playing in the games. Resign him.

He is a 7 footer with the #1 or #2 mid-range shot in the league and plays great defense. Pay the man.

Just want to point out Smith is having a career year this season in terms of volume. Be wary of him coming back down to his career averages.

Resign

Give him 2-3 years. His shooting, surprisingly good shotblocking, and willingness to be the team goon have been great. Seems to be a great veteran presence too.

PAY THE MAN!

Oddly one of my favorite players on the team.

6% of cap salary this year to sign a 1-year deal in hopes of getting a longer deal in the future. I'd peg him at 8% of the new salary cap, which would be 7.2 mil a year range. 2 year 15 million deal or a 3 year 20 million deal would be my offer.

This is top 3 priority for us in the offseason. Jsmith needs to stay!

I accidentally voted option 1 last night, was very tired and didn't read it well.

I'm for the option 2 definitely with the new cap coming. IMO, he deserves 15M/3yrs. But I can also see some other teams offer even more. In that case, I'm willing to do 20M/3yrs.

Definitely need to bring Smith back. He's a great guy to have on the team and to have coming off the bench. He's not the type of person who is going to complain about his role, but will come out every night and give a good effort. I think he can be had for a very fair multi-year deal, and hopefully that's exactly what happens.

He provides toughness we BADLY need, keep him. He has been playing very well, and has even been a huge part in many of our wins - last thing we need to do is let a guy like this walk, he has been fantastic - I say pay the man.

Jason Smith is a guy who knows his role, enjoy his role and executes it beautifully. If we can keep him for 2 more years at around $10-12M (total) I would be very happy.

Big man that can actually play some defense and automatic from mid range? I hope we keep him as long as its a 2 year deal. Maybe 3 years with team option

Anti Chalmers wrote:Maybe 3 years with team option

Hmm. 3 + 1 might get this done. Indeed if it is a co-team and player option, then both sides get leverage on a 4th year making this a palatable deal at all ends.

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Definitely a keeper! Great veteran presence.

5mi/year, 2 years + 1 year (Team Option).

That guy is already so beloved in my home. I love his game and his team-first attitude. Great pick-up.

Easily a keeper. We missed him badly in the Spurs game. I would be perfectly fine with option #2 where we give him a multi-year deal around 2-3 years. He wants to be here and plays with max effort every single night. One of my favorite players on the roster.