Fresh off a surprise appearance in the NBA Playoffs, the Orlando Magic are being linked to some top names in free agency.
Front office head Jeff Weltman is seeking more help to go with franchise cornerstone Paolo Banchero after the forward put up a stellar sophomore campaign.
We’ve already heard rumors that Orlando is interested in four-time NBA champion Klay Thompson of the Golden State Warriors heading into NBA free agency this summer.
We can now add another name to the list. According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, Orlando is interested in Los Angeles Lakers guard D’Angelo Russell.
The 28-year-old Russell has a player option worth $18.7 million for next season. He’s more than likely to decline said option and hit the open market.
Russell averaged 18.0 points on 42% shooting from distance last season, adding 6.3 assists and 3.1 rebounds in the process. Despite this, he was on the receiving end of a ton of criticism for seemingly inconsistent play.
Related: 10 big moves the Orlando Magic should make this summer
Orlando Magic definitely have a need in the backcourt
Guard Markelle Fultz is slated to hit free agency this summer. He has not necessarily panned out since the former No. 1 pick was acquired from the Philadelphia 76ers ahead of the 2019-20 season. This past year saw Fultz average 7.8 points and 2.8 assists on 47% shooting.
Fellow guard Cole Anthony also has not lived up to expectations. The former first-round pick from North Carolina is shooting a mere 42% from the field throughout his career.
Needless to say, the Magic need some backcourt help to go with the aforementioned Banchero as well as Franz Wagner in the frontcourt.
The good news? Orlando is expected to have north of $25 million to spend against the 2024-25 NBA salary cap. It has the ability to add an upgrade in the backcourt.