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Summary

After being drafted #33 overall in 2017, Iwundu has played well for the Magic, giving them some extra depth at the wing position. Iwundu even started 12 and 13 games in his first two seasons, respectively.

 

In the '18-'19 season, Iwundu even hit threes at a very good 39% rate, but the sample size is too small to read too much into. His career percentage from three is 32%, which is well below-average for a wing. Despite having some strength and athleticism, Iwundu has also consistently finished poorly at the rim, hitting only 57% of his attempts this past season, falling into the 27th percentile for his position, per Cleaning the Glass.

 

Iwundu gives effort on defense and has the ability to defend multiple positions, so his ideal role is as a three-and-D player that can attack hard closeouts and get to the rim. However, Iwundu will need to hit shots at a more efficient rate to truly reach that potential.

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Cap Considerations

Iwundu will be a restricted free agent with full Bird rights and a $2 million cap hold and Qualifying Offer. Having his full Bird rights means the Magic can offer him any starting salary (theoretically up to his max). Since the Magic will likely be over the salary cap this offseason, re-signing Iwundu has no opportunity cost, as letting him leave in free agency would not free up any cap room.

 

The only possible hindrance to the Magic not re-signing Iwundu would be if his salary gets too far above the minimum, and they want to avoid the luxury tax or lower their luxury tax bill. Therefore, other teams will have a legitimate shot at signing Iwundu to an offer sheet that the Magic would not match. Iwundu's starting salary will likely fit within any of the Non-Taxpayer, Taxpayer, or Room Mid-Level Exceptions.

Potential Teams: Magic, Hawks, Raptors, Cavaliers, Hornets

Predicted Contract: 2-year, $6 million (2nd year player option) with the Magic

Actual Contract: 2-year, $3.5 million with the Mavericks

I thought Iwundu could get a little more than the minimum, but he ended up settling for a two-year minimum contract with the Mavericks.

Last updated: 12/31/2020

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