Jerry Brewer of the Orlando Sentinel reports that the Magic are trying to make one last splash in this season?s free agent market. Even though they live in fear of the luxury tax, the Magic are making a play for Keon Clark.
"I know they're interested, and I think Keon would like to look into playing there," said Jim Mourer, Clark's agent. "But a lot would have to happen there to make it work."
The Magic have their $4.5 million mid-class exception and a dire need in the front court, but they are currently trying to lower their payroll so they can sign their rookies. Under normal circumstances, a player like Clark would command upward of $50 million as a free agent. The luxury tax eliminates ?normal circumstances?.
Mourer said Clark might be willing to sign a short-term deal. "He wouldn't want to sign for much less than he can get," said Mourer, who has received considerable interest from teams since Clark became unrestricted. "Still, if the situation was right, yeah, he'd consider something short term."
Clark could take a chance and sign a 1-year deal, and then raise his value by playing an increased role with the Orlando front court. Next year, the Magic, and several other teams, will be under the salary cap. Clark could be a beneficiary of all that cap room.
Even if Clark were to sign for less, the Magic would have to do some major shuffling to make it happen to trim their payroll as much as $3 million or $4 million.