As the Orlando Magic continue their rebuild after selecting Paolo Banchero with the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, they are looking to free agency to shape the roster. The decision they are about to make about Mo Bamba, their first-round pick from the 2018 draft, suggests that they have a very good idea of who they want in the frontcourt moving forward.
According to Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinal, the Magic are expected to allow Bamba to become an unrestricted free agent.
NEW — The Orlando Magic aren’t expected to tender a qualifying offer to Mo Bamba by the end of Wednesday, which will make him an unrestricted free agent on Thursday, a person with knowledge of the situation @orlandosports: https://t.co/hTddFu3WNW
— Khobi Price (@khobi_price) June 29, 2022
Bamba had the most productive season of his career last season after becoming a full-time starter. He averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks and 1.2 assists per game while shooting 38.1 percent from deep, a career-high by a wide margin. Orlando is forfeiting the right to match any offer sheet for Bamba, which suggests that Wendell Carter Jr. is their center for the future while Banchero slides into Bamba's spot in the starting lineup.
Plenty of other teams are interested in Bamba. Kelly Iko of The Athletic said that the Magic are still interested in him but so are the Houston Rockets and Chicago Bulls. Jake Fischer of Bleacher Report also mentioned Chicago and suggested the Toronto Raptors as a potential suitor.
Although the Magic could still use Mo Bamba, it is clear that they are prioritizing other players and are willing to let him go to a team that can give him a larger role. He is not completely out the door but Orlando letting him become a UFA is a big sign that he will be soon.
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