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The Orlando Magic’s biggest question heading into free agency has been answered.
According to Yahoo! Sports’ Shams Charania the Magic and Aaron Gordon came to terms on a four-year, $84 Million deal to keep Gordon in Magic pinstripes. The deal is a straight four-year deal with no options, according to the Orlando Sentinel’s Josh Robbins.
After losing Mario Hezonja to the New York Knicks, the Magic moved quickly to secure a deal with Gordon. It comes as no surprise Gordon is returning to the Magic, as it was clear the Magic intended on matching any offer sheet Gordon may sign.
With the Los Angeles Lakers agreeing to terms with LeBron James, the Phoenix Suns agreeing to terms with Trevor Ariza, and the Indiana Pacers and Doug McDermott notching a deal, the amount of teams with cap space to offer Gordon a sizable offer sheet was quickly shrinking.
Getting Gordon in under the max is a big win for the Magic. The deal will pay Gordon roughly $21 million annually, and keeps the Magic’s best asset in the fold for the foreseeable future.
Coming off a career year, expectations will be high for Gordon, who will become the Magic’s highest paid player. With Mo Bamba, and Jonathan Isaac also in the front court, Gordon will likely have to slide down to play more small forward as the teams last two first round picks continue to develop.
The Magic’s focus in free agency now turns to point guard, where they have a desperate need after waiving Shelvin Mack earlier this week. The team will have the mid-level exception, and bi-annual exception to use.