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The Orlando Magic announced Monday they have waived C.J. Watson. According to Basketball Insiders’ salary database, Orlando’s waiving Watson saves it a bit of money, as only $1 million of his $5 million salary is guaranteed.
The Magic signed Watson prior to the 2015/16 season to bolster their depth at point guard, but his productivity waned over the last two seasons as he crossed age 30. Watson was never a plus-level playmaker or defender, but earned his NBA keep as an accurate three-point shooter. In his Magic career, Watson shot 30.1 percent from beyond the arc.
Despite those limitations, Watson did briefly take over the Magic’s starting point-guard job in 2016/17, although that fact may say more about Elfrid Payton’s readiness for the role than it does about Watson’s overall ability.
Barring a trade or unexpected free-agent signing, Orlando is now set at lead guard with Payton, D.J. Augustin, and the newcomer Shelvin Mack.