Restricted free agent point guard C.J. Watson says he wants to play for the Orlando Magic. But the only way that's going to happen is if the Warriors and Magic can work out a sign-and-trade.Why? Because the Magic are out of money.
Orlando has used up all of its mid-level exception on free agent forwards Brandon Bass and Matt Barnes, and it does not have its bi-annual exception, either.
The Magic were said to be considering extending an offer sheet to Watson last week before signing Barnes, but according to a league source Orlando was convinced the Warriors would match their offer.
Also complicating the issue is that Watson already may have a multi-year contract offer in front of him -- for three years, $4.5 million -- from the Warriors, according to the source.
Watson, who averaged 9.5 points per game in 77 games last season, rejected a one-year, $2.3 million offer sheet from the Philadelphia 76ers, according to various reports.
The best offer the Magic could make for Watson at this point is a salary starting at $825,497, which is the minimum salary for a player with two years experience. But Watson is currently sitting with a qualifying offer from the Warriors for 2009-10 for $1.05 million.
"I want to play with Orlando," Watson told RealGM.com. "With the four All-Stars and (coach) Stan (Van Gundy). ... I would play more and get to contribute. Stan is a much more active coach on the sideline too and I feel like I could learn a lot from him. They also run a lot of pick and roll and I like that."
The Warriors have 14 players under contract, not including Watson. The Warriors already have guards Monta Ellis, Stephen Curry, Acie Law, Speedy Claxton, Marco Belinelli and Anthony Morrow on their roster.
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Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Why are the Warriors always in the basement of the league? Do the owners not want to win?
Why do the Warriors have so many guards?, I sometimes wonder how these people get these jobs.
The Warriors are always in the basement because basketball decisions are controlled by business people of the organization (Rowell).
Why did te Magic go and get Vince Carter. I don't understand. He's never helped any team he's been on become a winner. He's never done anything.
Why did they give up such a promising young player like Courtney Lee and why didn't they even try to keep Turkoglu?
Vince Carter brings nothing to the table expect empty promises.
They were only 2 free throws away from going up 3-1 in the finals. Dwight Howard Choked when it counted most, but that's a youth thing. Give him another year and a 3 point lead with him on the line and he will be able to close it out.
Why dismantle the whole team. And I Really, Really didn't like what they did to Alston in the Finals. He brought them there and then they just went away from him, to bring back an undersized Nelson who'd been sitting for months in the biggest series in the teams history. what a joke.
The Magic had thier chance, now they are done for another 10 years or so.
@#4 orlfrd, Your statements are ridiculous.
The Magic DID try to keep Hedo. They offered him a 5 year $45 million contract but instead of being a team player and competing for a ring Hedo opted for more money. Vince Carter has never been on a good team so basing his "team" accomplishments on playing for sub-par teams is both inaccurate and unjust. Dwight Howard didn't choke at the freethrow line he's a 60 percent FT shooter. Who choked at the FT line was HEDO who missed 3-4 FT's in the 4th quarter. When an 80 percent FT shooter goes 1-4 in the 4th quarter of a championship game that's who the choke falls on not a guy who shoots 60 percent who misses both freethrows fairly regularly throughout the regular season. Dwight had a 24 rebound 9 block performance in that game, HE was the reason they were even in that game.
Alston was a cancer so had to be removed. He in no way whatsoever got them to the NBA finals. He shot 34 percent against Boston, 36 percent against Cleveland and 37 percent against LA. Alston was the reason the Boston series went 7, was the reason the Cavs games were so close and was the reason SVG had to bring Jameer back prematurely to the Finals.
YOU are the only joke here and your knowledge of the Magic is laughable.
You'll see at the end of the seasn who's right.
I agree with Slowmo, Hedo wanted too much cash and quite honestly the Magic didn't feel he was worth it(and he isn't). The Raptors might get one solid season out of him before his decline really sets in. Being from Orlando you get to hear the extra lockeroom chatter and Rafer Alston if brought back next season would of created a riff. Jameer is the starting PG, no arguement. Magic GM Otis Smith has made great moves and I think he has something big up his sleeves by retaining Gortat and acquiring the trade exception for Turkoglu...just wait and see.