ORL sleeps through trade deadline...who's their FA?

[magichael]

I would have figured Claxton was untouchable a few months ago...but BRK has been so disappointing that he could be more of a flight risk to a contending team or a young team that he could really drop right into and contribute (like ORL).

What's the purpose of Claxton to ORL? You already have a top 5 defense. WCJ's shooting and cheap contract make for a much better fit with Paolo and Franz. You could bring Bitadze back (probably for cheap) and have a perfectly solid C platoon.

Orlando's issues are scoring and 3pt shooting. Claxton doesn't solve either of those issues. Why not just bring in a stop-gap shooter like Trent Jr until you can either a) trade for a high level guard or b) develop either Black/Howard/2024 1st.

ORL's ceiling is going to be dictated by whether they can find a high level guard/wing, not by adding another C.

Totally agree, though they COULD use a shot blocker/rim runner in that spot, but I think you need shooters before you start worrying about that.

[Jody Smokz]

If ORL is committed to Paolo and Franz as their primary guys then an scoring guard that can play off ball is ideal for them. No great ones to invest in this summer but Dinwiddie, Monk, DLo are stop gap signings. They need Black to develop a real 3ball to fit that spot now though.

[Residual-Heat]

Claxton would make sense for the Magic if they want to lean into this defensive identity theyve established. At the end of the day they need a shot blocker, and the only one who can really provide that on this roster is Isaac. Problem with Isaac is you cant really depend on him. If he does stay healthy though and you bring in Claxton the defense should be the best in the league.

As far as shooting, the Magic dont need to be an elite shooting team. Thats not what they do. All i want from them is to be able to shoot the 3 at a better rate than they defend, and they're good at defending against 3pt shooters. Two things need to happen IMO:

1. internal improvement from everyone really, but specifically Franz and Cole are dragging down the team's shooting percentages this season. Im not worried about Franz. He will be fine long term, and since coming back from injury he's shooting 38%. Cole is replaceable.

2. replacing Fultz with a PG that can shoot. A combo guard like Monk might work too.

Adding Claxton and Monk to this team could be interesting. Not sure if they have the cap space for both though. Probably need to decline Ingles option and trade WCJ/Cole or both to a team with cap space. Then hope Black can fill the Ingles role and Howard can fill Cole's role as a bench scorer. Jeff Weltman went on yesterday about how he didnt make any moves at the trade deadline because he believes in Black and Howard, so let see..

Monk/Black
Suggs/Howard
Franz/Houstan
Paolo/Isaac
Claxton/Mo

[SD2042]

anyone want to name some possible free agent targets?

wont move the needle a whole lot

Tyus Jones
Monte Morris
Reggie Jackson (if he opts out)
D'Angelo Russell (if he opts out)
Delon Wright
Patty Mills
Dinwiddie
Lowry

Honestly...that's a pretty depressing list

Listen. Right now, the Magic are on the path of becoming a playoff team with this young bunch. Not a contender as the team are still ways off for the time being. Keep in mind, as AB continues to develops his game, the Magic need a plug in guard to hold it hold it down for a season or two. So when the day comes when AB hs earn the right to take over the PG reins, the Magic can either move forward from the plug in guard of their choice or trade him away for an asset or two.

[JRoy]

Trade for Simons. He’s better than any of those guys.

[R-DAWG]

Jrue isnt a max player, even if it isnt a 4 year deal

Jrue will help Orlando a lot more than $50 mil. of cap room that goes unused.

why wouldnt Orlando use that cap room? the owners have never gone cheap

I call it the JJ Reddick approach - give a player closer to their 4 year value over 2 years. Retain future flexibility.