Jonathon Simmons, Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have Jonathon Simmons on a $6 million deal for the next 16 months and could be a potential money-saver for Miami as they continue looking to get out of some of the heavily paid role players.
This could be the possible Tyler Johnson move necessary for Miami to save from being taxed on their enormous cap at the end of this year.
Simmons is a former-D-League prospect (now the G League), who went on to show out on a Gregg Popovich-led San Antonio Spurs team. Simmons filled his role as a gritty wing who could switch between 3 positions at will and be a spark plug off the bench when Pop needed him. Due to his consistent play with a historic team like the Spurs, Simmons received a long-term deal with the Orlando Magic.
The Magic are looking for a way to get a point guard or a combo guard to help the terrible backcourt situation and are hoping for a young player too. Tyler Johnson fills both of those needs and his move also gives Miami the freedom of what to do with Ellington or McGruder moving forward, as Simmons is a good mix of both of those players.
Ultimately, the Magic are going to have to decide if they will get a better prospect than the 26-year-old guard in Johnson, as many players are not looking at Orlando as a “hot” team to sign with this summer.