Orlando Magic: Grading their free agency moves so far

Michael Carter-Williams

While letting Iwundu walk was bad, bringing back Michael Carter-Williams made a lot of sense and it was great that the Magic did so. The two year deal, with exact figures still unclear, doesn’t include an option in the second year for player or team, but that will suit both down to the ground.

Carter-Williams was able to rebuild his tattered reputation in Orlando, and has more value on this roster than anywhere else in the league. He will continue to come off the bench and never be a lead ball-handler, instead defending opponents of all shapes and sizes. That’s the key to the games of Carter-Williams and how it fits with the Magic, that versatility.

Offensively he is still a negative, but the improvement of Fultz and addition of Anthony and Bacon can offset some of that. The money used to bring him back will most certainly have been team friendly, and if Carter-Williams continues to be the spark off the bench that he has been for the Magic to this point, he may even see his trade value increase in time as well.

Fultz is going to go through ups and downs next season, assuming he remains healthy the entire time. Ditto Anthony, who will hit the rookie wall that everybody does. With Augustin gone, somebody needs to be the veteran guard who has been around the organization and can guide the younger players.

Carter-Williams is that guy, even if he isn’t technically thought of as a point guard anymore. It is unclear what he is, but whatever that may be, it has been beneficial for the Magic to this point. As part of a second unit alongside Clark and Khem Birch, they will make life difficult for opponents. Like most Orlando Magic moves so far this offseason it is not sexy, but what did you expect?

Grade: B-