The Detroit Pistons are claiming F/C Paul Reed off free agency waivers, sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium. Reed is in the second season of a three-year, $24 million deal, and now BBall Paul joins Detroit.
Even if the Magic don't get Paul George, being in position to get that meeting is fantastic for the franchise. It's been a long road back, but Orlando is on the NBA map again.
Paul George plans to speak with the Los Angeles Clippers, Philadelphia 76ers and Orlando Magic starting late Sunday night pacific time after free agency opens, sources tell @TheAthletic@Stadium.
And now the Orlando Magic project with $50 million in cap space after declining Mo Wagner's team option too.
Paul George's maximum contract starts at $49.3 million (if they want to go that route).
Also plenty of space to outbid the market on several starter level players.
ESPN Sources: The Orlando Magic are declining forward Joe Ingles’ $11 million team option but sides are expected to continue dialogue in free agency next week. Ingles, 36, will be entering his 11th NBA season.
The Atlanta Hawks create some more payroll flexibility ($7.6 million below tax).
They can also create a $18.2 million trade exception. This would require absorbing Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels into their $23 million John Collins trade exception, which expires on July 6.
Full trade on ESPN: Dejounte Murray for Larry Nance Jr., Dyson Daniels, 2025 first-round pick (via Lakers), 2027 first-round pick (least favorable of Bucks-Pels)
Because New Orleans aggregated the salaries of Larry Nance Jr. and Dyson Daniels, they are now hard capped at the $178.7M first apron.
Murray has $1.5M in unlikely bonuses that count toward the apron.
12 players under contract.
Below tax: $2.6
Below 1st apron: $8.5
Both figures include the Murray trade bonus.