The Magic have signed free agent guard Joel Ayayi, according to a team press release.
Ayayi appeared in seven games with the Wizards last season but only played a total of 20 minutes. He was on a two-way contract but was waived in March.
After going undrafted out of Gonzaga last summer, Ayayi signed a two-way deal with the Lakers, but was cut just before the season began. The Frenchman was claimed off waivers by Washington.
Ayayi started 29 games for the Capital City Go-Go, the Wizards’ G League affiliate, and averaged 10.7 PPG, 6.6 APG and 5.7 RPG.
The Magic already have 15 players on guaranteed contracts and both two-way slots filled, so it’s almost certainly an Exhibit 10 deal for Ayayi. Orlando has also reportedly reached Exhibit 10 agreements with four other players.
Exhibit 10 deals are non-guaranteed and carry a minimum salary, but Ayayi could receive a $50K bonus if he’s waived before the start of the regular season and joins the team’s G League affiliate in Lakeland.
Was confused why he went undrafted. I think he could actually be a decent pro. Would take him over Terrence Ross at this point.
Who was confused?
He has an entirely different game than Ross. He can’t shoot well but is good on D, a good playmaker, and an extremely good rebounder for his size.
Never said they were the same player I meant his roster spot.
He shot 38.9% from 3 in his last year of college and 38.2% in the GLeague last yr. I’d trade Ross, finally, and try out goes like Ayayi for longer than a cup of tea.
Magic need to find guys outside of just drafting high each year.