Veterans With Something to Prove

In a pair of trades earlier in the offseason, the Magic brought on Jerian Grant from the Bulls, Timofey Mozgov from the Hornets, and Jarell Martin from the Grizzlies in exchange for Bismack Biyombo and Dakari Johnson.

All three could see a good chunk of rotation minutes next season, but the guys to keep a closer eye on are Grant and Martin.

Grant, 26, is playing for his third team in four seasons and is finally being given a chance to start for a team. With point guard depth thin in Orlando, Grant was acquired to get the opportunity to be the team’s starting point guard this season. He is in the final year of his rookie deal as he enters restricted free agency next summer. If this year’s market has taught us anything about restricted free agency, it is that it sucks.

This is Grant’s contract year and time to make a name for himself, or he could be out of the league next year. It could go in many different directions for him but being in Orlando is a step in the right direction for him as it will present him a better opportunity to get more minutes.

Martin is also entering restricted free agency next summer and has escaped from the frontcourt logjam in Memphis to enter another frontcourt logjam in Orlando.

He started 36 games for the Grizzlies last season but was often fighting for playing time with JaMychal Green, Deyonta Davis, and Ivan Rabb, all of whom were primary power forwards. Luckily for Martin, the Magic have fewer of those players, but their positioning is much more fluid.

Aaron Gordon plays the four, and Jonathan Isaac is likely going to come off the bench. However, either of those players could slide to the three if needed. Like Grant, Martin is in a better place to carve himself a role, but it won’t be easy, and he has some work to do if he wants to get the playing time he desires.

Next Up: Candidate 2