Orlando Magic sign Shelvin Mack for 2 Years, $12 Million
The backup point guard won’t fix Orlando’s offensive issues, but he may provide some solid defense off the bench.
As first reported by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, and made official by the team on Sunday, the Orlando Magic have reached an agreement with point guard Shelvin Mack to sign for a 2-year deal for $12 million.
Mack has spent the majority of the last two seasons in Utah, and has previously played for the Hawks, Sixers, and Wizards. Last season, he averaged 7.8 points and 2.8 assists in 22 minutes a game. Not known for his long-range prowess, Mack is thought to be a solid defender and can finish reasonably well in 2-point range (51% inside the arc last season).
Mack will almost certainly back up Elfrid Payton in the point guard role, though he may find playing time in a “combo guard” situation, as C.J. Watson did much of last season. This also suggests that the Magic have plans to move D.J. Augustin, though no rumors have been floated hinting at that move as of yet.
Mack’s 2-year deal is fairly inoffensive this season, though the Magic will be squeezed for cap room next season depending on what they do with Payton and Aaron Gordon. It was unlikely that the Magic were going to be able to collect a lot of cap space next season without dealing one of those two players, but Mack’s contract likely ensures they won’t have a massive amount of room or flexibility. As of right now, it doesn’t appear that the deal contains any partial guarantees or options.
The Magic have played this offseason quite slowly, only coming up in a few long-shot rumors, likely buzz generated by agents to create leverage for players like Joe Ingles, who the Magic were reportedly interested in. With no sign that a blockbuster trade is in the works, expect a few other moves or signings like this one to fill out the back end of the roster.
