Chuma Okeke Won't Sign Rookie Deal Until 2020 Offseason

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Chuma Okeke Won't Sign Rookie Deal Until 2020 Offseason

RealGM Wiretap: RealGM; Posts: 102,524; And1: 293; Joined: Mar 19, 2013; Post #1 » by RealGM Wiretap » Mon Sep 23, 2019 2:57 pm

Chuma Okeke Won't Sign Rookie Deal Until 2020 Offseason

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Post #1 » by RealGM Wiretap » Mon Sep 23, 2019 2:57 pm

The Orlando Magic will redshirt Chuma Okeke this season.

Okeke was the 16th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft out of Auburn. Okeke suffered a torn ACL in the 2019 NCAA Tournament.

Okeke won't sign his four-year deal until the 2020 offseason.

Via Shams Charania/The Athletic

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Dan Z: RealGM; Posts: 15,176; And1: 7,233; Joined: Feb 19, 2002; Location: Chicago; Post #2 » by Dan Z » Mon Sep 23, 2019 3:08 pm

Re: Chuma Okeke Won't Sign Rookie Deal Until 2020 Offseason

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Post #2 » by Dan Z » Mon Sep 23, 2019 3:08 pm

I guess this is so the Magic can keep him on his rookie deal for longer? What does he do for money while he rehabs next year?

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meekrab: RealGM; Posts: 12,203; And1: 8,928; Joined: Dec 15, 2014; Post #4 » by meekrab » Mon Sep 23, 2019 4:51 pm

Re: Chuma Okeke Won't Sign Rookie Deal Until 2020 Offseason

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Post #4 » by meekrab » Mon Sep 23, 2019 4:51 pm

Nikola wrote:Very weird why would he do this for the magic?

His contract next year will be worth more money, since the rookie scale increases with the salary cap.

And he can still sign a G-League contract or take out a loan against his future income for money this year.

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Killboard: Analyst; Posts: 3,374; And1: 943; Joined: Jul 16, 2010; Post #5 » by Killboard » Mon Sep 23, 2019 6:35 pm

Re: Chuma Okeke Won't Sign Rookie Deal Until 2020 Offseason

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Post #5 » by Killboard » Mon Sep 23, 2019 6:35 pm

Nikola wrote:Very weird why would he do this for the magic?

I think underclassmen must have 23 years old to sign with another NBA team other that who drafted them.

Obviously this is benefitial for the Magic since his rookie scaled contract will be for 4 healthy seasons instead of 3.

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Cassius: RealGM; Posts: 15,293; And1: 3,963; Joined: Aug 19, 2005; Location: We won.; Post #6 » by Cassius » Mon Sep 23, 2019 7:08 pm

Re: Chuma Okeke Won't Sign Rookie Deal Until 2020 Offseason

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Post #6 » by Cassius » Mon Sep 23, 2019 7:08 pm

So... what does he make this year?

I_Like_Dirt wrote:The whole comparison to Kevin McHale is ridiculously close, imo... And that's without more hilarious aspects of the comparison, e.g. if Wally Sczerbiak were 7 feet tall with the slower reflexes that came with the additional height, he'd be Bargnani.

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