Orlando Magic: Complete 2018 offseason grades
By Amaar Burton
Trading for Jerian Grant and Timofey Mozgov
In a three-team deal involving the Charlotte Hornets and Chicago Bulls, the Magic sent away failed free agent experiment Bismack Biyombo and two future second round draft picks, and in return may have found their starting point guard.
Jerian Grant started 26 games for the Bulls in 2017-18 in his third pro season, averaging career highs of 8.4 points and 4.6 assists in 22 minutes per game.
The former Notre Dame star and first round pick is currently penciled in as Orlando’s backup point guard to veteran D.J. Augustin, but Grant has the skills to work his way into the No. 1 spot. Listed at 6’4″ and 195 pounds, he can also defend both backcourt positions.
In a media availability a few minutes ago, Magic coach Steve Clifford said he likes the size Jerian Grant will bring to Orlando's perimeter defense and said Timofey Mozgov can be effective against traditional centers.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) July 8, 2018
Getting a 25-year-old who could possibly start out of that three-way deal makes it a win for Orlando, without even considering Mozgov.
The 7’1″ journeyman will always be measured against the giant contract he signed a couple summers ago, which he hasn’t come close to justifying with his on-court production (6.3 points and 4.3 rebounds per game in the last two seasons).
Orlando has two centers ahead of Mozgov on the depth chart: Bamba and Nikola Vucevic, not to mention Gordon can play the 5 in a small-ball lineup. Mozgov probably won’t get much playing time for the Magic, but he does bring some championship experience to the locker room from his time with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
Grade: B-