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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