Howard Mass wrote:Def Swami wrote:Bamba, Ross, Hampton are gone.
Regarding Ross, I have no way to prove this, but I believe the front office and Ross came to a mutual decision for a trade at the deadline to the highest bidder, regardless of the offer, and one that would satisfy Ross's desire to be on a playoff team. He hasn't played in the last 8 games. Caleb Houstan got minutes over him yesterday. I think the front office told Ross they were planning to go in this different direction and that they'd take care of him at the deadline. Weltman and Ross have known each other since their days in Toronto. Ross has always been a great teammate. He's going to contribute to some playoff team. We might get a 2nd round pick or 2.
Same could be said for Bamba and Hampton. Those guys minutes have been limited throughout the season. I think the decision was made early on Hampton. And I think as the season went on, they made it on Bamba. I'm not expecting a lot for these players. Bamba might have some value around the league as a back up center. He is owed about $10 million in '23-'24, so we'd have to take back some salary that might be a player that gets bought out.
Only other wild card is Gary Harris. Harris is shooting 46.7%(!!!) from 3. He is owed another $13 million in '23-'24 where he becomes an expiring contract. He could actually help a playoff team. But, for a team that lacks so much spacing and shooting, we kind of need him to make the Fultz, Banchero, Wagner trio work. I wouldn't be surprised if the Magic trade him. I just think it depends on what the Magic hope to accomplish in the final 2 months of the season. Develop Franz and Paolo in an environment that allows them to thrive, develop Anthony and/or Suggs in the starting roles, or just upgrade the back court overall and push for the play in. I don't think now is the time to get short-sighted if I were the Magic, so Harris should be available for the right return.
Keep in mind, The Magic will not want to take back salary in deals for next season.
Why do you think we won't take back salary for next season? Do you think we are going to be players in Free agency?