Magic Becoming a 'Destination,' Says Jeff Weltman

NBA free agency starts soon and the Orlando Magic is becoming a destination players want to go.

Jeremy Brener | Jun 26, 2023

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - NBA free agency kicks off this week and the Orlando Magic hopes to use the opportunity to improve the team.

Despite the Magic holding about $17 million in cap space, Orlando isn't expected to make major changes. However, sometimes the marginal changes are the ones that make the difference between good and great teams.

Given the Magic's 12-win improvement this past season and the path towards competing for a playoff spot this year, team president Jeff Weltman believes Orlando is becoming an attractive destination for free agents.

"I do feel very strongly about is that we are becoming a destination," Weltman said. "I think a lot of players want to be here and a lot of agents like what we're doing."

A year ago, the Magic did right by its free agents and re-signed Mo Bamba, Bol Bol and Gary Harris. And Orlando has continued to treat its players well, something that Weltman hopes is noticed by the agents and players around the league.

With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner posing as a strong foundation to build a team around, the Magic hopes that the pair can attract free agents to win alongside them.

NBA free agency kicks off Friday at 6 p.m.

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Published Jun 26, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.