stamp2 wrote:FeatheryTouch wrote:Paul George is going to be 35 next year. If I'm Orlando I definitely don't want to blow my young team's cap space on an aging wing that has an injury history like his. Orlando(and OKC for that matter) are making excellent progress with young rosters, no need to go all in on big names that are clearly on the downsides of their careers - look at the playoff results, a new generation of stars taking over.
ORL should be targeting a younger point guard rather than an aging wing IMO.
George to Philly(with Embiid's likely timeline)isn't perfect but makes a little more sense.
Ok and who is that younger point guard that’s a FA and available? The whole issue is teams with space do not control who is on the market in any given year. Yes, Orlando could look to trade, but that requires giving up assets, so at that point it becomes cost benefit analysis (and you still have to find said young guard who a team *wants* to trade).
Sign a player who may not fit perfect/be the #1 need, and is likely older (FA will always trend older, usually after their 2nd or 3rd contracts). Or trade multiple assets requiring a likely overpay to find a better fit on the trade market for a likely disgruntled player.
You are correct that there is no top tier PG available in FA, and it's not a great class overall.
I just don't think spending $50 million a year on an older, injury-prone George who is not a great fit with the rest of the Magic roster is a wise use of their precious cap space. Where does George even slot into the starting lineup? Orlando is set at forward(their best 2 players) and the Magic won't be pushing Franz or Paolo to the bench. Same with Suggs, he's a core piece as well. Even if they do bring in George and push a member of their young core to the bench they will still have that big hole at point guard.
Orlando is probably better off keeping their cap powder dry until next season or using some of it to pick up less expensive depth pieces rather than spending it on an expensive older player that's a bad fit.
Alternatively, a trade for a PG is also possible as you say. Trae Young or Murray looks likely to be moved by the Hawks, maybe even Garland or Mitchell if the Cavs flame out and Cleveland wants a backcourt reset. What about trying to pry away LaMelo Ball? All of those dudes have flaws but are younger and fit the timeline and needs of the Magic much better than George.