NBA Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic could sign a new player after being granted salary cap relief for Timofey Mozgov

What's the rumor?

When the Orlando Magic waived Timofey Mozgov back in July, it appeared that they would have to stretch his $16.7 million salary for the 2019-20 season over the next three years. However, Orlando Sentinel are reporting that the team could now sign a new player after being granted salary cap relief.

In case you didn't know...

After winning the 2016 NBA Finals with the Cleveland Cavaliers, Mozgov was signed by the Los Angeles Lakers to a four-year, $64 million contract. However, the Russian was soon sent to the Brooklyn Nets as part of the trade for D'Angelo Russell. Mozgov then joined the Magic in the summer of 2018 after making just 31 appearances in New York.

During his season in Orlando, Mozgov failed to make an appearance due to a serious knee injury. He was unsurprisingly let go over the summer despite having a year left on his deal.

The heart of the matter

Shams Charania of The Athletic revealed earlier this week that the Magic have been granted salary-cap relief due to Mozgov's ongoing injury issues.

The NBA has removed center Timofey Mozgov’s $16.7M salary from Orlando’s salary books via career-ending injury/illness application, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. The Magic stretched-and-waived Mozgov in July.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) November 27, 2019

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There are now speculations that the money that's been freed up could be used towards reinforcements.

"The Magic could utilize the money on several fronts: to help facilitate a trade or sign a free agent this season," Roy Parry of the Orlando Sentinel said.

Despite heading into the season with plenty of momentum, the Magic have made an underwhelming 7-10 start to the season, and it is evident that the team need to make changes if they are to qualify for the postseason for a second consecutive year.

Receiving salary cap relief on Mozgov's deal is a welcome boost as it provides Orlando with more flexibility in trade talks, but the team could also use the money to bring in an experienced free agent.

What's next?

The Magic will be looking to get their season back on track as they face the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.