July 27, 8:01 PM: The signing is official, according to a team press release. “Marreese (Speights) has developed into [an] effective shooting big man during his pro career,” said President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman. “He is a veteran player that brings playoff and championship experience to our team. We are very happy to have Marreese and his family in Orlando.”
July 23, 3:31 PM: Speights’ deal with Orlando will be a minimum salary arrangement, Pick tells Hoops Rumors.
12:22 PM: Marreese Speights is “on course” to sign with the Magic, tweets international basketball writer David Pick.
Speights recently held a face-to-face meeting with Orlando officials, who have been searching for shooting help. The 6’10” Speights is a reliable shooter from distance for a big man, connecting on 37% from 3-point range for the Clippers last season while averaging 8.7 points and 4.5 rebounds per game.
The Magic have their $4.328MM room exception available, so all or part of that could be used to add Speights. Even if he signs for the veteran’s minimum of $2.1MM, it will match the value of the contract he opted out of with the Clippers.
Speights spent one season in L.A. after signing there last summer. Before that, he was part of the rotation for Warriors teams that captured the 2015 NBA title and won 73 games in 2015/16. A first-round pick of the Sixers in 2008, he also spent time with the Grizzlies and Cavaliers.
y .. .y mo…
Champs to chumps apparently! There had to be better teams interested.
Plenty of teams needed a reserve big. He would’ve brought a winning pedigree, good track record, and consistent three point shot
….and poor defense, zero shot blocking, no lateral mobility, and big time flopping :)
Good Vet pickup for the money, these yungsta’s need veteran leadership on & off the court to help them further their development. Great Job Weltman & Hammons. Hennigan take notes, this is how you run a business.
If only Hennigan had signed Mo Speights!
steal fur magic