The Orlando Magic have officially begun constructing the team's roster ahead of the 2019-20 campaign. According to a formal statement released by the Eastern Conference franchise on Tuesday evening, the Magic have issued qualifying offers to center Khem Birch and power forward Amile Jefferson.
As a result, the Magic current own the right to match any offer sheet that either Birch or Jefferson signs with another NBA franchise this offseason.
It is also worth noting that both players will become restricted free agents on June 30, thanks to receiving the aforementioned qualifying offers from the Magic.
RELEASE: Magic extend qualifying offers to Khem Birch and Amile Jefferson#PureMagic pic.twitter.com/dMc3PW8Kcp
— Orlando Magic PR (@Magic_PR) June 25, 2019
Birch is a 26-year-old center out of UNLV, who has spent both of his NBA seasons to date as a member of the Magic. After appearing in 42 regular season games for the Magic as a rookie back in 2017-18, Birch then went on to make another 52 regular season appearances — with one start — in his second NBA season in 2018-19.
For his NBA playing career as a whole, the up-and-coming big man is currently averaging 4.5 points, an even four rebounds, 0.8 assists, 0.5 blocks and 0.4 steals across 13.3 minutes per outing.
Jefferson, another 26-year-old, notably made his NBA debut for the Magic in 2018-19 en route to making a total of 12 regular season appearances atop the highest level. The former Duke power forward and collegiate standout averaged 2.3 points, 1.8 rebounds, 0.3 assists, 0.3 blocks and 0.3 steals over the course of a mere 5.7 minutes per outing.
The Magic reached the postseason in 2018-19 before being upended by the eventual NBA Champion Toronto Raptors in the opening round of the playoffs.
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