The Orlando Magic were arguably the biggest surprise of last season. After being a lottery team the past few seasons, they moved up to a top five seed in the Eastern Conference this past year. However, their lack of shooting came back to bite them during the postseason. Orlando has the opportunity to free up about $50 million in cap space, but they will have to let a few key pieces go. However, there are still a few quality shooters the Magic can target this offseason to help space the floor.
Three Points That Could Happen to the Orlando Magic This Offseason
Buddy Hield
While many have linked Klay Thompson to the Magic, Buddy Hield can serve as a floor-spacer and is small. He will also be cheaper than the Golden State veteran. Hield will fit tightly next to All-Star, Paolo Banchero, and provide a perimeter shooting threat while Banchero works in the paint. Buddy Hield is a 40.0 percent three-point shooter and will quickly alleviate many of Orlando's shooting woes.
Angelo Russell
The Magic have shown some interest in the Los Angeles Lakers guard. Many expect Russell to look for a new place this season. Orlando may not be his first option, but he will certainly have a more impactful role than he did with the Lakers. Russell will likely serve in the same role as Markelle Fultz, taking over ball-handling duties. Not to mention he will also add some perimeter shooting to the Magic backcourt. This past year, he shot 41.5 percent from three-point range and 45.6 percent from the field. D'Angelo Russell might not be the splashiest offseason target, but the Orlando Magic might be a good fit for the 11-year veteran.
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope
KCP's arrival will depend on whether he declines his $15.4 million player option. Even then, the Magic will likely enter a bidding war with the Philadelphia 76ers. Another team showing a lot of interest in a quality three-and-D player. Caldwell-Pope will solve two problems for the Magic. He would provide a shot, but also match up with the other perimeter defenders on the team. The potential for Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris, and KCP to be victimized should give opposing offenses reason to pause. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is starting to age, but he remains one of the premier role players in the league. There's a reason the Denver Nuggets will do everything in their power to keep the two-time champion.
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