NBA Rumors: Magic Showing 'Pessimism' in Signing Big Free Agent?

Would Fred VanVleet improve the Orlando Magic beyond 2023, or would his addition simply stunt the development of the team's young core?

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic face a tough decision this offseason, whether or not they focus on continued development or attempt to accelerate their contention window by targeting a flashy free agent acquisition.

A free agent that could be a fit for the Magic is Toronto Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet.

“Orlando has been linked to VanVleet due to his connection with Jeff Weltman during their time together in Toronto,” HoopsHype writes. “However, there’s some pessimism that Orlando would be willing to make a big splash in free agency by signing VanVleet with a predominantly young core that isn’t ready to contend at a high level now.”

At age 29, VanVleet doesn’t align with the Magic’s core, Paolo Banchero is 20, and Franz Wagner is only 21, but some pros and cons could come with adding him to the roster.

On the negative side, the veteran could stunt the growth of Orlando’s young prospects by playing over 30 minutes a game and limiting the team’s ceiling despite raising their floor to a low-seeded playoff team in the short term.

However, injecting the 2021 All-Star point guard into the starting lineup could also provide needed perspective to a young team that lacks much veteran leadership or playoff experience.

VanVleet has the potential to score over 20 points per game, shoot better than 40 percent from three-point range, and mentor the Magic’s young core, but whether or not he’s a preferred signing for the team will come down to philosophy.

Does Orlando’s front office believe personal experience is the best way for their young core to develop, or will they trust a veteran to coach them while playing similar to what Chris Paul did in 2019 when he surprisingly sped up the Oklahoma City Thunder's development and made the playoffs?

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