Orlando is becoming a refuge for players who couldn’t cut it with the Pistons (which doesn’t exactly speak well for the Magic).
Jason Maxiell and Ben Gordon headed south, following Orlando assistant general manager Scott Perry, who previously worked in Detroit’s front office under Joe Dumars.
Now, Peyton Siva – whom the Pistons drafted No. 56 in 2013, after Perry already left, and waived before having to guarantee his contract this summer – is following the pipeline.
Siva, entering his second season out of Louisville, is clinging to his NBA life.
Marc J. Spears of Yahoo Sports:
Peyton Siva has agreed to terms with the Orlando Magic, a source told Yahoo Sports.
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) July 29, 2014
Joshua Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel:
Peyton Siva will be brought to Magic camp on a non-guaranteed contract. Magic then will send him to Erie of the D-League.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) July 29, 2014
For the Magic to retain Siva’s rights, he counts against their roster and so does his salary. They could assign him to the D-League to get him experience, but he’d still count the same.
Siva could stick as Orlando’s third point guard behind Elfrid Payton and Luke Ridnour. However, Victor Oladipo, Evan Fournier and Ben Gordon can play lead guard, so the Magic might roll with just two true point guards.
But Siva isn’t necessarily competing with just other members of the backcourt.
Orlando has 15 players under contract, including Dewayne Dedmon, whose contract is unguaranteed until the regular season begins. The competition for the Magic’s final roster spot could very well come down to Siva and Dedmon. Even if the winner (if there is one) gets sent to the D-League, at least he’ll get an NBA salary.
