Report: James Ennis to re-sign with Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic’s search for a small forward is over.

James Ennis reportedly will re-sign with the Orlando Magic after declining his player option days ago.

Considering the players available on the market, and the Magic’s budget, this was probably the best case scenario.

Curious to know what the market was like for Ennis if he agreed to only a one-year deal. Early reports are saying his salary is roughly $1 million to $1.5 million above the $2.1 player option he declined.

Acquired in a February trade with the Sixers, Ennis started 18 of 20 games for the Magic, Ennis being inserted into the starting lineup coincided with the Magic going 8-4 during the team’s offensive outburst before the league paused on March 11. Ennis averaged 8.5 points and 4.8 rebounds and shot 45.1 percent from the field. That included just 28.6 percent from three, which was down from 34.9 percent during the first half of the season with the Sixers.

That percentage simply will have to improve if he is to continue starting for the Magic. But Ennis did prove his value on the defensive end of the court, particularly while frustrating the Bucks’ Khris Middleton during the Magic’s first-round matchup.

Ennis’ return means that Aaron Gordon, barring a trade, can play his preferred position of power forward. It also means that, with the draft and first day of the free agency frenzy complete, the Magic appear to be running things back with the same starting lineup. Again, barring a trade.