The Magic have waived Jameer Nelson, the team announced via press release, confirming a report from Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel. The team was facing a July 15th deadline to either waive him or guarantee his full $8MM salary. His $2MM partial guarantee for next season will remain on Orlando’s books.
Robbins suggests the move is a precursor to a pursuit of experienced players in free agency, perhaps speeding up Orlando’s slow-moving rebuild. The Magic waived Doron Lamb earlier today, traded Arron Afflalo last week, and are reportedly looking to rid themselves of Jason Maxiell, paving the way to plenty of cap flexibility.
The team’s acquisition of rookie point guard Elfrid Payton on draft night Thursday seemed a harbinger of Nelson’s departure. Nelson had nonetheless maintained his role of starting point guard even with the team experimenting with Victor Oladipo at the point last season. The 32-year-old has spent his entire 10-year NBA career with the Magic, and had been the last remaining player from the 2009 Finals team.
Nelson averaged 12.1 points and 7.0 assists against 2.4 turnovers in 32.0 minutes per game last season. The Steve Mountain client seems like a decent fit for the taxpayer’s mid-level exception of $3.278MM, or perhaps more if he’s willing to sign a short-term deal.
Jameer is a true professional, I hope my Hornets grab him so he could stay close to Orlando. My favorite fans in the league other than Hornets fans are Magic fans. I hope in a few years will have a good rivalry
I wouldn’t mind him as the backup in Detroit. Couldn’t possibly be worse than Will Bynum.
My money is on he stays in Florida and goes to to Miami…..
hahaha
Not sure why but I’m a bit surprised. Felt like he could’ve been a good mentor to Elfrid.
not the type of PG laker fans would want but i wouldnt mind him on the team along with farmar and clarkson
I agree he would be a good pickup. but I’m waitin to see Deandre Kane in the summer league. #LakeShow
if lakers keep kane i can see him be move to SG since he has the size .
not a bad back up for kobe. he’s NBA ready! Hopefully he does well in the summer league and gets a roster spot
he would be a nice cheap roster add. lakers could use those. him and like x would be a nice back up to kobe
It seems odd they dump Afflalo and Nelson to free money to go after experienced players. Isn’t that exactly what they are?
While the NBA is and has always been a business. Nelson gave the magic the best years of his career and to be waived like some 2nd class rookie is tragic I hope he lands with a contender
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Shoud of Trade him.