Magic PG Michael Carter-Williams Provides Veteran Presence; Signing Soon?

Michael Carter-Williams returned to the Orlando Magic after being away for a year. Will he be sign with a new team for the upcoming season?

Jeremy Brener | Sep 19, 2023

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - Michael Carter-Williams remains a free agent after the Orlando Magic didn't pick up his team option earlier this summer.

The 2013-14 NBA Rookie of the Year shined with the Philadelphia 76ers in his first year in the league, but injuries have hampered his success and sent him on the path of a journeyman.

MCW's journey has led him to the Milwaukee Bucks, Chicago Bulls, Charlotte Hornets, Houston Rockets ... and since 2019, the Magic.

In his first stint with the team from 2019-21, Carter-Williams played in 88 games across three seasons. In August 2021, MCW hurt his ankle and underwent surgery, causing him to miss the rest of the season. He was cut in February 2022. A year later, the Magic re-signed him to a two-year deal with a team option for 2023-24. However, Orlando failed to exercise that option, and Carter-Williams became a free agent.

Orlando Magic point guard Michael Carter-Williams playing against the Chicago Bulls / Mike Dinovo-USA TODAY Sports

While his veteran presence and familiarity with the team is appreciated, it may not be worth robbing the spot of a younger player with more potential on the Magic roster.

No. 6 overall pick Anthony Black is an example of a younger player who would take Carter-Williams' potential minutes.

However, given the fact that the Magic brought him back after a year away should speak for something. If Orlando wants to make the playoffs this season, having veterans on the roster that can help balance the young talent is critical, especially in a postseason setting.

Perhaps the Magic will bring back Carter-Williams later in the season if the team needs a veteran guard, but he's expected to go into the season as a free agent.

Published Sep 19, 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.