3. Contract Is Team Friendly
Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports
The Orlando Magic aren’t competing for an NBA title anytime soon, and re-signing Gordon isn’t going to elevate them to that status. However, it was important to reach an agreement with him that benefitted the franchise. General manager John Hammond constructed a deal that is fair to their star player, and puts the Magic in position to pursue future free agents. Orlando Sentinel reporter Josh Robbins explains in further detail.
“The Sentinel has learned Gordon will earn base salaries of $21,590,909 this upcoming season, $19,863,636 in 2019-20, $18,136,364 in 2020-21 and $16,409,091 in 2021-22.”
The decline in salary each season reduces the overall cap figure, but it also gives Orlando another option. If the team continues its trend of consistently losing, the lower salaries towards the end of the contract will make it easier for team executives to trade him.
The Magic will be in prime position next summer to go after free agents. The nucleus of Evan Fournier, Mohamed Bamba, and Gordon will remain intact, and management will have over $26 million in practical cap space to offer in potential contracts.
Although Orlando isn’t considered a prime destination for free agents, it does have its perks. The state of Florida has no income tax, and the weather during the winter is ideal. If the current roster can show progress next season and earn a playoff spot in the weaker Eastern Conference, superstar players could be more inclined to join the small-market franchise.
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