Magic Free Agency: Orlando Needs Shooters; Gary Trent Jr. Leads Free-Agent Class

The Orlando Magic ranked last in the NBA for 3-point field goals made. Gary Trent Jr. will be one of the best long-range shooters available in free agency this summer.

Apr 9, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Raptors guard Gary Trent Jr. (33) shoots the ball / Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports

ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic's first playoff run in four years ended with a Game 7 full of misfires. Beginning in July, NBA free agency is an opportunity to address those flaws.

Orlando has $25 million worth of projected cap space. If the Magic want to invest in better three-point shooting — they ranked last in 3-pointers made in 2023-24 — here are three of the best free agents available:

1. Gary Trent Jr., Toronto Raptors
2. Malik Beasley, Milwaukee Bucks
3. Buddy Hield, Philadelphia 76ers

Through six seasons, Trent Jr. is a proven commodity around the arc, converting 38.6 of his career 3-point attempts. He has started in 59 percent of the 341 games he has played with the Raptors and Portland Trail Blazers. In his 41 starts for Toronto this season, he averaged 15.9 points, three rebounds, and 1.8 assists.

Those scoring numbers dwarf what the Magic got from Gary Harris, who became the preferred starter at shooting guard down the stretch. In his 27 regular-season starts, Harris averaged just 7.7 points, 1.9 rebounds, and 1.6 assists. 

Harris, 30, will be a free agent coming off one of his worst seasons as a pro. Trent Jr., 26 next season, is trending upward.

The negotiating period for free agency with players from other teams begins on June 30 at 6 p.m. ET. Signings can be made official on July 6 at 12:01 p.m. ET.

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