Orlando Magic waive Ben Gordon

As expected the Orlando Magic have waived guard Ben Gordon, the team announced on Monday afternoon. It was reported last week that the team would release the veteran, rather than pick up his $4.5 million option for the 2015/16 season.

Gordon, 32, appeared in 56 games in his lone season with the Magic, averaging 6.2 points per game. Gordon knocked down over 36 percent of his shots from beyond the arc, and nearly 84 percent of his shots from the free throw line in his limited action throughout the season.

Waiving Gordon gives the Magic even more flexibility heading into free agency, which begins on Wednesday night. With Gordon out of the picture, the Magic have eight players holding fully guaranteed contracts for next season. That number will soon jump to nine when first round selection Mario Hezonja signs his rookie contract.

The Magic also have two players --Dewayne Dedmon and Devyn Marble -- with non-guaranteed deals, with second round selection Tyler Harvey likely to join them soon.

General manager Rob Hennigan indicated his team will have enough room for a max contract this summer, and that he expects his team to be busy during the free agent period.