Mike Conley (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic may target free agents Mike Conley and Nicolas Batum this summer, with the team having enough money to spend on quality signings.
With the Magic having a projected summer war chest of $44.5 million, they are poised to sign to max free agents come July. According to the Orlando Sentinel's Josh Robbins, Nicolas Batum and Mike Conley could be among the names the Magic may target this summer.
After acquiring Serge Ibaka from the OKC Thunder at the expense of Victor Oladipo and Ersan Ilyasova, the Magic may now be looking on improving their backcourt rotation, particularly the point guard spot.
The Magic only have Elfrid Payton and Shabazz Napier to run the point for Frank Vogel, and while the two may improve playing for the former Indiana Pacers coach, the team still needs a PG to give an immediate impact if they wish to become contenders next season. Conley should provide the needed star-power to the Magic's youthful squad.
After spending all of his nine years with the Memphis Grizzlies, Conley will attempt to explore free agency in hopes of joining a new team who has a better shot at winning an NBA championship. The Magic are clearly not that the type of team to instantly contend for a title unless they sign the likes of Kevin Durant, which is highly unlikely. And while moving East for a greater shot at an NBA Finals trip may entice Conley, teams like the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat would probably be among those who can offer him that chance.
Another potential target for the Magic is Batum, one of the most intriguing small forwards to hit the market in July.
Batum's versatility to play multiple positions makes him a perfect fit to almost any teams, including the Magic. His overall game will be an instant favorite of Vogel, who has shown capability of running a small-ball lineup.
The Magic won't probably have second thoughts in offer Batum a max contract if the situation presents itself, much like to the other NBA teams looking to upgrade their roster. However, the Magic will surely face stiff competition to the Frenchman, who are reportedly considering a return to the Hornets.
It may be far-fetched for the Magic to sign Conley or Batum in July, with the team not having enough piece to attract free agents who wants to win now. But if the Magic could pull off a quality signing this summer, there is a slightly higher chance Orlando could snag a max contract player.
