Orlando Magic Free Agency Guide (Cap Info UPDATED page 37)

[Orlwillbeback]

no to dwight. he's barely worth a midlevel anymore.

[AdamTheGreek]

I already wrote about it, but just because Dwight and his 'people' have interest in a return to this team, that DOES NOT mean the Magic front office give a **** about him.

[ezzzp]

Yeah, I'm not too fussed about Dwight returning myself. I feel like he probably sees it as an opportunity for him to follow in LeBron's footsteps, and 'return home' to restore his legacy to a team which has finally accrued enough assets whilst he's been gone to get him the help he needs to win.

But I don't particularly like the brand of basketball he plays. Having to play inside out, but he lacks a post game and the athleticism to dominate the way he once did. His defensive metrics have been down since he left us. And do we have the personnel to make him work? We don't have a Rashard-like stretch 4, so we'd have to get one of those. We don't have a Turk-like point forward who is a triple threat that can see over the defense. We've got Elf, who would get more out of Dwight's role game than Jameer ever could, and Oladipo who would probably pair with Dwight like a young Jameer (but with defense).

One plus for Howard is the forthcoming rule change to tackle the 'Hack-A-Howard' strategy, which could make him eligible for staying in games during crunch time.

All this seems to be coming out of Dwight's camp who are desperately spinning a believable narrative to artificially create demand. I can't see RH being that desperate that he would let a character like Howard enter what is a very young and vulnerable lockeroom.

The other team that was rumored to be interested, Charlotte - equally makes no sense and why it really points to all this is fueled by Howard's agent. Steve Clifford had a front row seat to the Dwightmare debacle and basically lost his job because Dwight got SVG fired...and then he relived the Dwight drama all over again in LA shortly after.

[T-Cat]

Been calling it since trade deadline. By the start of next season, Dwight will be a Charlotte Hornet. Steve Clifford is rebuilding the 09 Magic. I would watch a couple of hornets games, to see Dwight and Cournety Lee play together again. Bring back some old memories.

I'm thinking he goes there too, and I would love the move. I want him back on the Magic though, as unpopular as that is.

I think it's an unpopular move mainly because of the money he would command in combination with the fact that he's on (or approaching) the downside of his career. Not to mention he's contributed to toxic locker rooms pretty much everywhere he's been. That's not what we want around our young team that's looking to develop an identity.

All that aside, I wouldn't mind have him back purely from a basketball standpoint. I just couldn't stomach giving him a max deal at this point in his career.

" I just couldn't stomach giving him a max deal at this point in his career." Excuse me! Are you cutting him a check? It's not your money

[MagicTime1]

How would others feel about this?

Trade: Vucevic, 2016 1st round pick to Chicago for Jimmy Butler.

Free Agency: Sign Whiteside, Matt Barnes, and Mike Conely

Draft: Second Round Draft Pick: Gary Payton II

Signings: Resign Nicholson, Jason Smith, Match Fournier,

PG: Conely, Payton, Payton II

SG: Butler, Oladipo, Watson

SF: Fournier, Hezonja, Barnes

PF: Gordon, Nicholson, Smith

C: Whiteside, Smith, Dedmon

[T-Cat]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/MarkJonesESPN/status/725780229155872769[/tweet]

Just playing the hypothetical game, I wonder what happens with Vuc? Does the team just plan to bring him off the bench, or do they plan to move him before recruiting/signing Dwight, so they can get the best value for him (before teams know that they need to move him)?

MarkJonesESPN ‏@MarkJonesESPN 3h3 hours ago
MarkJonesESPN Retweeted Dylan Feltz
A couple NBA coaches have told me Vuc would be even better with a rim protector/"dog" along side him.MarkJonesESPN added,

[Melvinlocker]

I already wrote about it, but just because Dwight and his 'people' have interest in a return to this team, that DOES NOT mean the Magic front office give a **** about him.

This is good to hear. Signing Dwight would be a major departure from what we're trying to building. I'm curious as to what you think the Magic will do with the draft? Is a trade inevitable or are we be genuinely interested the players who are in our range?

[OrlandoDream]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/MarkJonesESPN/status/725780229155872769[/tweet]

If it happens, it happens. Horford is still my main target and if we miss on him bringing back D12 would not be the worse thing. I'm over the whole "Dwightmare" thing. This is sports. This kind of things happens all the time.

I just don't see Rob going after Dwight though. His camp may want to make a return but that doesn't mean we will offer him the contract he is looking for. Which will be a max deal. We know what we get in Dwight and let's just say I don't think it will take us to any level that we already haven't been on before when he was here.

Dwight would be nasty with the Hornets or Blazers. Go where you have a chance to win.

[Jameerthefear]

I already wrote about it, but just because Dwight and his 'people' have interest in a return to this team, that DOES NOT mean the Magic front office give a **** about him.

This. I have no idea why people are holding onto this Dwight thing.
And the funny thing is, he'd be a bad fit. Dwight threw a hissy fit in L.A. and Houston over having to defer to guys like Harden, Kobe, and Gasol and Nash. Now imagine him trying to desperately be the alpha dog on a team full of soft spoken young players who won't tell him to buzz off. I don't want him anywhere near this team.

[rusoopE]

IF i see Dwight over Vuc in next year roster i'll cut my nba league pass subscription.
IF the magic want to push for a second round push on playoffs, we cant start EP i would love to get Conley on this team, his work ethic, his passing first style, good shooting and locker room presence would be what the magic needs (he's my 1st target this offseason)
IF the magic doesnt sign Batum or Parsons match Fournie
I think this is magic final year to realize who stays and who leaves, we will need to package some of the young folks for some all star caliber player

[rusoopE]

Dwight Howard is not a Magician, he may be a softie, a drama queen, an injury-prone, a magician, but he is not a porn star

[Jiwol]

How would others feel about this?

Trade: Vucevic, 2016 1st round pick to Chicago for Jimmy Butler.

Free Agency: Sign Whiteside, Matt Barnes, and Mike Conely

Draft: Second Round Draft Pick: Gary Payton II

Signings: Resign Nicholson, Jason Smith, Match Fournier,

PG: Conely, Payton, Payton II

SG: Butler, Oladipo, Watson

SF: Fournier, Hezonja, Barnes

PF: Gordon, Nicholson, Smith

C: Whiteside, Smith, Dedmon

I would like it. Two Paytons on one team never happened before

[MagicStarwipe]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/MarkJonesESPN/status/725780229155872769[/tweet]

Just playing the hypothetical game, I wonder what happens with Vuc? Does the team just plan to bring him off the bench, or do they plan to move him before recruiting/signing Dwight, so they can get the best value for him (before teams know that they need to move him)?

MarkJonesESPN ‏@MarkJonesESPN 3h3 hours ago
MarkJonesESPN Retweeted Dylan Feltz
A couple NBA coaches have told me Vuc would be even better with a rim protector/"dog" along side him.MarkJonesESPN added,

Great. Let some other team try to figure it out.

[Blue_and_Whte]

[tweet]https://twitter.com/MarkJonesESPN/status/725780229155872769[/tweet]

Just playing the hypothetical game, I wonder what happens with Vuc? Does the team just plan to bring him off the bench, or do they plan to move him before recruiting/signing Dwight, so they can get the best value for him (before teams know that they need to move him)?

MarkJonesESPN ‏@MarkJonesESPN 3h3 hours ago
MarkJonesESPN Retweeted Dylan Feltz
A couple NBA coaches have told me Vuc would be even better with a rim protector/"dog" along side him.MarkJonesESPN added,

Having a top 10 center with a rim protecting dog makes sense. What happens to Gordon? SF?

[TreasureCoast]

Dwight Howard is not a Magician, he may be a softie, a drama queen, an injury-prone, a magician, but he is not a porn star

post image online

[Blue_and_Whte]

unfortunately, AG hasnt shown to be a baby Griffin in anyway, nor has Hezonja shown to be a Klay 2.0

As for Vuc, there are other player that does what he does (Lopez, Kanter, Jefferson, Cousins)

But his point still stands. You wouldn't trade Oladipo + AG or Hezonja or Vucevic for Butler. It just doesn't make sense to relinquish the future or any potential ceiling these player may have for marginal improvement Butler would offer us.

It's not a marginal improvement. You need to watch Butler play more. The guy takes over games and is a go to scorer. We don't have a player like that. This is why we lost so many close games. Oladipo is currently not a guy you can give the ball to and get wins with on a consistent basis.

Everyone has seen Butler play apparently except you so stop acting like he's on Durants level.

Butler
PPG: 20.9 RPG: 5.2 APG: 4.7 SPG: 1.6 BPG: 0.6 FG%: .455 FT%: .832 2P%: .490 3P%: .311 TS%: .563

Dipo
PPG: 16.0 RPG: 4.8 APG: 3.9 SPG: 1.6 BPG: 0.8 FG%: .438 FT%: .830 2P%: .475 3P%: .348 TS%: .534

Very basic stats but Oladipo could pull that off in his sleep. Butler is a marginal upgrade AT BEST. Period. In no scenario does he move the needle for this team. You're overrating him.

[tiderulz]

But his point still stands. You wouldn't trade Oladipo + AG or Hezonja or Vucevic for Butler. It just doesn't make sense to relinquish the future or any potential ceiling these player may have for marginal improvement Butler would offer us.

It's not a marginal improvement. You need to watch Butler play more. The guy takes over games and is a go to scorer. We don't have a player like that. This is why we lost so many close games. Oladipo is currently not a guy you can give the ball to and get wins with on a consistent basis.

Everyone has seen Butler play apparently except you so stop acting like he's on Durants level.

Butler
PPG: 20.9 RPG: 5.2 APG: 4.7 SPG: 1.6 BPG: 0.6 FG%: .455 FT%: .832 2P%: .490 3P%: .311 TS%: .563

Dipo
PPG: 16.0 RPG: 4.8 APG: 3.9 SPG: 1.6 BPG: 0.8 FG%: .438 FT%: .830 2P%: .475 3P%: .348 TS%: .534

Very basic stats but Oladipo could pull that off in his sleep. Butler is a marginal upgrade AT BEST. Period. In no scenario does he move the needle for this team. You're overrating him.

while Butler and Dipo to me are a comparable, Butler does give you someone that can either cover a PG, SG or SF. Dipo can only cover PG or SG. And Butler the last 1-2 years has been the #1 focus of opposing defenses, Dipo has not. Is that enough to warrant trading for Dipo? paying higher contract? I dont know, that is where Rob will earn his money.

[Blue_and_Whte]

It's not a marginal improvement. You need to watch Butler play more. The guy takes over games and is a go to scorer. We don't have a player like that. This is why we lost so many close games. Oladipo is currently not a guy you can give the ball to and get wins with on a consistent basis.

Everyone has seen Butler play apparently except you so stop acting like he's on Durants level.

Butler
PPG: 20.9 RPG: 5.2 APG: 4.7 SPG: 1.6 BPG: 0.6 FG%: .455 FT%: .832 2P%: .490 3P%: .311 TS%: .563

Dipo
PPG: 16.0 RPG: 4.8 APG: 3.9 SPG: 1.6 BPG: 0.8 FG%: .438 FT%: .830 2P%: .475 3P%: .348 TS%: .534

Very basic stats but Oladipo could pull that off in his sleep. Butler is a marginal upgrade AT BEST. Period. In no scenario does he move the needle for this team. You're overrating him.

while Butler and Dipo to me are a comparable, Butler does give you someone that can either cover a PG, SG or SF. Dipo can only cover PG or SG. And Butler the last 1-2 years has been the #1 focus of opposing defenses, Dipo has not. Is that enough to warrant trading for Dipo? paying higher contract? I dont know, that is where Rob will earn his money.

Sure. They differ in their roles on each team.... Hence why I think its an upgrade.... a marginal one although Dipo can guard a SF in a pinch if need be. Look Butler isn't going to bring us into playoff contention. If...IF...he moved the needle at all, best case scenario we make a first round playoff matchup fun to watch. Now if its a precursor to a bigger move then I'm on board. The original proposal which was giving up the farm for a slightly better version of Dipo was insane as is, imo, moving Butler for Dipo straight up and THAT be our big move. He's not good enough. end of story.

[OrlandoDream]

But his point still stands. You wouldn't trade Oladipo + AG or Hezonja or Vucevic for Butler. It just doesn't make sense to relinquish the future or any potential ceiling these player may have for marginal improvement Butler would offer us.

It's not a marginal improvement. You need to watch Butler play more. The guy takes over games and is a go to scorer. We don't have a player like that. This is why we lost so many close games. Oladipo is currently not a guy you can give the ball to and get wins with on a consistent basis.

Everyone has seen Butler play apparently except you so stop acting like he's on Durants level.

Butler
PPG: 20.9 RPG: 5.2 APG: 4.7 SPG: 1.6 BPG: 0.6 FG%: .455 FT%: .832 2P%: .490 3P%: .311 TS%: .563

Dipo
PPG: 16.0 RPG: 4.8 APG: 3.9 SPG: 1.6 BPG: 0.8 FG%: .438 FT%: .830 2P%: .475 3P%: .348 TS%: .534

Very basic stats but Oladipo could pull that off in his sleep. Butler is a marginal upgrade AT BEST. Period. In no scenario does he move the needle for this team. You're overrating him.

Just a couple of differences that stand out. Jimmy Butler is a;

- Better passer - Used to play PG and still plays PG for the Bulls at times when Drose is out. He runs the O more then the starting PG, when derrick rose, is out.)
- Better defender and can defend multiple positions including SF and small PF
- BBIQ doesn't even compare - You won't see this on the stat sheet. JB is one of those crafty and smart stars. Unlike dipo who constantly takes those stupid contested long twos and a bunch of unquestionable shots, you won't see that from JB. As good as he is, he is like a point forward. Think likes a PG and has an SF body. He has even said it in interviews that he likes to get his teammates involved in the game over his own. I love Dipo but he still thinks he is the #1 option on this team. WE will never have success with him thinking that way. He just has an array of moves that shows how smart of a player he is. Things you dont find in any of our young guys. He is just such an unselfish player for a guy of his skills that its surprising.
- Would demand multiple double teams - Something Dipo could never do. JB demands multiple double teams every game. And him being such an underrated passer, he would dish the ball out and pass around until you find the open man. Easy shot.
- CONSISTENCY! - Ah yes, the most important part. Both JB and Dipo had their month where they dropped 20+ nearly every night. The difference? JB can do this every night where Dipo can have months where he is completely off shooting 30%. He can go 10-14 one night then 5-19 the next. Lets not forget about the start of season too that sent him to the bench. That is their main and biggest difference that separates them from All Star to Starter. Victor Oladipo has yet to find a level of consistency in his game. If he could play every game the same way he did back in April, this conversation would be over and he would be an all-star in the NBA for years to come.

I could go on and on but you def havent seen enough of JB this year to say he is on par with Dipo and so far from Durant. He is prob 1 tier from Durant where Dipo is more 3-4. I love Dipo, but at this point in their careers, JB is better then him in every way and saying that Dipo will be just as good(in a year? lol) has no guarantee. Again, please prove me wrong dipo.

[TheShoe1010]

I'm thinking he goes there too, and I would love the move. I want him back on the Magic though, as unpopular as that is.

I think it's an unpopular move mainly because of the money he would command in combination with the fact that he's on (or approaching) the downside of his career. Not to mention he's contributed to toxic locker rooms pretty much everywhere he's been. That's not what we want around our young team that's looking to develop an identity.

All that aside, I wouldn't mind have him back purely from a basketball standpoint. I just couldn't stomach giving him a max deal at this point in his career.

" I just couldn't stomach giving him a max deal at this point in his career." Excuse me! Are you cutting him a check? It's not your money

I think it's pretty obvious that I was speaking from a fan's perspective, like every other person on this board. Cool joke though, you got me!