Bass to Magic is official- 4 years, $18 million

by killa3312 on Jul 10, 2009 1:12 PM EDT Comment 6 comments

http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/david_aldridge/07/10/magic.bass/

"The Orlando Magic are trying to keep up in the arms race in the competitive Eastern Conference, agreeing to terms on Friday with free agent forward Brandon Bass on a four-year deal believed to be worth $18 million.

The 23-year-old Bass was one of the most coveted big men in this year's free agency class, having been a valuable role player off the bench for the Mavericks the past two seasons. He played in 81 games for Dallas last year, averaging 8.5 points and 4.5 rebounds in 19 minutes a night. The Mavericks tried to keep him, but Dallas' commitment to Magic free agent center Marcin Gortat to an offer sheet made money scarce. New Orleans, Bass's first team, and Cleveland also were working to sign him.

With Hedo Turkoglu gone to Toronto, there may be an opportunity for a starting job at power forward in Orlando for Bass, with the Magic moving Rashard Lewis back to his normal small forward position. But even if he doesn't start, Bass will provide toughness and size for an Orlando team that now has to contend with Shaquille O'Neal and re-signed forward Anderson Varejao in Cleveland and the return of Kevin Garnett and newly signed Rasheed Wallace in Boston.

The Cavaliers made a last-minute push on Bass, according to a source, but didn't have a way to get him the money he'll get in Orlando. Cleveland has come to terms with free agent guard Anthony Parker and will probably use its mid-level exception on him, leaving only the biannual and veteran minimums for other players.

Bass's contract has an out clause after three seasons."

This FanPost was made by a member of the Orlando Pinstriped Post community, and is to be treated as the opinions and views of its author, not that of the blogger or blog community as a whole.

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Just... why?

Now we have 3 good options at the PF spot.. but still no C backup.

"It's difficult to win when you're outscored in every quarter." -Bill Walton

by betterthanburke on Jul 10, 2009 1:17 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I don't love it either.

At least it didn’t cost the whole mid level. I guess it also gives us an extra option and different look at PF.

Meh

by bandrewg08 on Jul 10, 2009 1:22 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah he's a good player, don't get me wrong.

But I just don’t think he was the answer. Still pleased to see some action from the FO

"It's difficult to win when you're outscored in every quarter." -Bill Walton

by betterthanburke on Jul 10, 2009 1:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great!!!

Now sign Bobby Jackson/Jarrett Jack with the remaining MLE and find a decent backup center such as one of the Collins brothers or maybe even Joel Anthony. Any other suggestions?

by DwightsMight12 on Jul 10, 2009 1:25 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs