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Orlando Magic: Buy or sell each pending 2020-21 free agent

By Luke Duffy

HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 08: Wes Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic stands on the court in the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - MARCH 08: Wes Iwundu #25 of the Orlando Magic stands on the court in the second half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on March 08, 2020 in Houston, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /

Wesley Iwundu – Buy

If Carter-Williams represents the most interesting choice the Magic will make, then Wesley Iwundu is certainly the easiest. In a year when none of the big names on this roster could potentially move elsewhere. Iwundu has to be the organization’s top priority and brought back to this rotation.

This might seem odd, Iwundu has career averages of 5.8 points and has shot 31.9 percent from deep. But to look at those numbers alone doesn’t tell the whole story. Iwundu was arguably the Magic’s most improved player last season, finally looking comfortable in his role off the bench.

Part of a contending roster is having a “3-and-D” wing type, and Iwundu most certainly falls into that category. He’s not the Magic’s best defender, that’s Gordon, but he routinely comes into the game and chases accomplished offensive guys around the court, while also showing a better shooting touch himself.

Iwundu started more games (21), played more minutes (18.3) and knocked down more 3-pointers (34.1 percent on a career-high 1.6 attempts per game) than at any stage in his career up to this point. It is clear coach Clifford now trusts him, and it is great to see him come into the game and look confident on both ends of the court.

There is only one potential snag to bringing him back, and that is if another organization realizes his worth. Iwundu is a restricted free agent, giving the Magic control of the situation. Cap space is at a premium too, so it is hard to see somebody else overpaying for him. But if a bigger offer than anticipated comes Iwundu’s way, do the Orlando Magic blink?

At 25, Iwundu is a late bloomer and will be eager to get paid at some point in his career. The Magic have sunk a lot of money into what they’ve already got in place. The best-case scenario is that the Magic bring Iwundu back on a team-friendly deal. Augustin got four years, $32 million before. Would anybody complain if Iwundu was given something similar? He’s only going to improve.

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