The Orlando Magic have been busier than some might have expected this offseason. They added to that list by signing free agent forward Al-Farouq Aminu to a three-year, $29 million deal.
Free agent Al-Farouq Aminu has agreed to a three-year, $29M deal with the Orlando Magic, league sources tell ESPN. Player option on third year.
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 30, 2019
The Orlando Magic have now reached deals with Terrence Ross and Aminu, as well as All-Star center Nikola Vucevic. They were a surprisingly strong team last season, finding their way into the playoffs.
Although Orlando had a first-round exit — losing to eventual NBA champions Toronto Raptors, they still put up a solid fight.
Orlando has a young group centered around Aaron Gordon, Jonathan Isaac and Mo Bamba. They've done a good job of giving them veterans like Vucevic and Ross. Now, Aminu is joining the fold.
Al-Farouq Aminu is coming off a year where he averaged 9.4 points and 7.5 rebounds per game. He can attack the rim and has a decent 3-point shot. Most importantly, he's a great defender who can play multiple positions, giving the Magic a lot of flexibility.
That being said, Aminu is a similar player to Isaac and Gordon. You have to wonder what the Magic are cooking up. Is something in the works for them? Or do they simply think the athletic defenders can lead them to new heights?
Whatever the case may be, it's hard to hate on the signing too much. Aminu is a very solid player and, at just 28, is still in his prime. At under $10-million a year, this should be looked at as a very savvy move.
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