Although Paul Paul has had a fairly positive first year in Orlando, Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman confirmed Tuesday that he will no longer play for the Florida franchise.
And the American-Sudanese athlete was waived after participating in 70 matches last season, of which 33 matches were the start for the Magic. He averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1.2 blocks per contest, while shooting 0.546 from the floor.
The seven-foot-tall player was selected as the 44th overall pick of the 2019 NBA draft by the Miami Heat and then traded to the Denver Nuggets, where he played his first three seasons in the league.
Check out the latest episode of the “Locked on Magic” podcast where they talk about Bol’s concession and what the team needs to do to get back to their winning ways:
However, the player is expected to receive a new offer soon. It may not take long for the center to find a new home in the NBA, NBA insider Jake Fisher reports, as he confirmed that Orlando has been trying to trade him for a while.
“I heard the Magic was looking into dealing with a bullpen dating back to the NBA Draft,” Fisher posted on Twitter. “Two teams have been mentioned, Phoenix and Dallas, but the Suns have gotten rid of their veteran lower centers. I wonder if Paul could be in the Mavericks’ plans if Dallas can find a deal for JaVale McGee.”
Which team can add a Bull Bull to their roster? We describe five possible outcomes for the big guy to land this summer
Here at Basketball Insiders, even though we’re a five-team prospect, we can keep an eye on the young center as he becomes an unrestricted free agent.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
OKC is in a similar position to the Magic, as they have a group of young players with the potential to take over the league one day. If the Thunder were to sign Bol Bol, they could place him as a backup center to Chet Holmgren, considering the sophomore has just returned from his 11-month injury.
2. Golden State Warriors
Reports indicate that the Bay Area squad is a potential suitor for the Sudanese-American athlete, especially as they are currently eyeing a player who could serve as backup to Kevon Looney in the upcoming campaign. Also, given that Draymond Green has come into the later years of his career, Bol could be key to their front court struggles.
The Golden State Warriors are among the teams that forward Paul Poll will be considered when cleared from waivers. Strong mutual interest. pic.twitter.com/hnKJVwyfYA
– Depressed Warriors Fan 💔 (@GoIdenState) July 4, 2023
3. San Antonio Spurs
Although Texas center Victor Wimpanyama was selected as the first overall pick of the 2023 NBA draft, they might consider adding another seven-foot big man who could replace the French sensation during some phases of the game and provide support for both ends of the floor.
4. Indiana Pacers
With Miles Turner becoming Indiana’s starting center, the 23-year-old has gained enough experience in his four seasons in the league to contribute to the Pacers’ bench.
5. The Sacramento Kings
While the Kings were the fairy tale of the 2022/23 season, reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2006, they were expecting to continue that path of greatness and improve for the next campaign. This means they will need more variety and depth in their roster, just as Bol Bol could be an exciting move that makes the squad younger.