The Magic aren’t picking up their $8MM team option for Moritz Wagner for next season, but both sides have interest in negotiating a new contract, according to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski (Twitter link).
The decision means the 27-year-old big man will become an unrestricted free agent Sunday afternoon and will be free to talk with anyone. Wagner has spent the past four seasons in Orlando and presumably enjoys playing alongside his brother, Franz Wagner, so the team should have an advantage in trying to re-sign him.
The Magic are expected to be major players on the free agent market, and the extra $8MM in cap room could turn out to be valuable. Orlando is projected to have upwards of $52MM to work with and is considered to be a suitor for Clippers forward Paul George, who is declining his $48.8MM option for next season.
One possibility for Wagner suggested by Yossi Gozlan of HoopsHype (Twitter link) is for Orlando to use its $8MM room exception to give him the same salary as his option. The team would have to exhaust its cap space before that pathway becomes available.
Wagner played an important role off Orlando’s bench this season, averaging 10.9 points, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists in 80 games.
I don’t know who or if Boston Celtics President Brad Stevens will add anyone to our roster but my picks are bigs Daniel Theis or Mo Wagner. Mo was with us briefly and now after 4 years at Orlando he’s proven himself. He boards and shoots threes and I like his energy. Go Celts!
He’s not leaving Orlando.
Doubtful, but if IH doesn’t…
Thunder …….
Thunder have plenty FA options for a C.
Play with your bro 1 more year so Shaq can keep saying “Wagner boys!”