Grading the Orlando Magic's 2015 NBA Free Agency

tobias harris
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

The Orlando Magic haven’t done anything really flashy this offseason, but the moves that they have made may put them in position to compete for a playoff spot in the near future.

The Magic are coming off of a 25-57 season, which was the third-worst record in the Eastern Conference. Simply looking at the numbers, Orlando should be in line for another awful season, right? Wrong. Albeit, not many, the Magic made a couple significant moves that will serve them well this season and beyond.

Without question, the biggest move Orlando made during the free agency period was re-signing small forward Tobias Harris to a four-year, $64 million contract. This was a major, yet underrated move for Scott Skiles‘ club.

With the re-signing of Harris, the Magic were able to retain their core of young talent, which includes Harris, point guard Elfrid Payton, shooting guard Victor Oladipo, forward Aaron Gordon, center Nikola Vucevic and the No. 5 overall pick, Mario Hezonja. Harris is certainly a big-time playmaker. Last season, he averaged 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.8 assists per game. He shot over 36 percent from deep as well. The Magic did well by bringing him back on board and not letting him get away.

Orlando made a couple other moves to solidify their free agency. First, the Magic went out and signed point guard C.J. Watson to a three-year deal. Watson gives Orlando a veteran point guard to back up Payton who’s also capable of providing a bit of a scoring punch off the bench.

The final deal the Magic made was sending big man Kyle O’Quinn to the New York Knicks for cash considerations and the option to swap a 2019 draft pick.

Their offseason was not flashy, but it was effective.

Final Free Agency Grade: B+

Brandon Austin is a writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @BMoreThanGreat, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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