What Does Jennings Trade Mean For C.J. Watson?

On Tuesday, the Orlando Magic agreed to trade their highest paid player, Tobias Harris, to the Detroit Pistons. In return, the Magic received backup point guard, Brandon Jennings, and power forward, Ersan Ilyasova. The Magic seem even more content to trade away Channing Frye now that Ilyasova is in the picture but one question still remains. What does the acquisition of Jennings do for C.J. Watson?

A lot of people are assuming that bringing in Jennings means that Elfrid Payton will resort to the bench but that’s not the case. Anyone thinking that bringing in Jennings hurts Payton needs to stop now. Orlando plays their best basketball when in transition and they want a group of players that can continue to do that throughout each game. Often, what happens is that the pace of the game slows down for the Magic when they call upon their bench for relief. The Magic are looking to keep up the pace and intensity and Jennings can provide that. Don’t be surprised either if Payton and Jennings are on the floor together at times as Jennings can play the 2 spot.

It does raise questions though as to what the Magic will do with their current backup point guard, C.J. Watson. It’s easy to forget that Watson is a member of the Magic since he’s been injured since early in the season. Shabazz Napier has filled in for Watson, but now that Jennings is in the mix expect Napier to fall deeply on the bench. Napier is still on his rookie contract and could still be traded before the deadline or the offseason. Watson’s role, however, creates a few more question marks. Watson was signed on to Orlando in July to a 3-year deal worth $15 million at $5 million per year (Bleacher Report). The third year is only partially guaranteed but it’s going to be interesting to see how the Magic use Watson from here.

Yes, he could be included in a trade before the deadline but this seems unlikely. He hasn’t seen the court much this year due to injury so it’s hard to determine his value at the moment. Other teams will likely be cautious in trading for the 31-year old and taking on his contract the first year into it. So it’s safe to say that Watson will stay in Orlando for the foreseeable future.

Jennings is on an expiring contract and will be a free agent when the season ends. It would have made more sense bringing in Jennings if they thought Watson was not going to be available for the remainder of the year. However, reports say that Watson is back to full strength and could play as early as Friday against Dallas (Orlando Magic Daily). A likely scenario for Orlando would be to use Jennings as a rental for the rest of the season then dumping his salary in hopes to bring in a big name free agent. However, this doesn’t answer how the Magic use him and Watson, in the meantime, to backup Payton and make a push to get into the playoffs. Regardless, the Magic have set themselves up nicely to go in any direction of their choosing.

For now, they have an excellent group of point guards provided that they stay healthy. Watson has been a viable backup anywhere he’s been and capable of stepping in as a starter if necessary. Some people have given up on Jennings but, truthfully, he just needed a change of scenery and should fit in great with the Magic. It helps too that he has experience playing for Magic coach Scott Skiles. Skiles coached Jennings during their time in Milwaukee. Like Payton, he’s not the best shooter in the world but he excels at passing. Look for the Magic to start playing at a level similar to how they started off the season and to make a strong run for the playoffs rather than the tragic January they endured. It will be curious though to see how Skiles uses his three viable point guards battling for playing time.

ATTN Dynasty Commissioners: Do you want to do something cool for your league? How about a 1-hour live show dedicated to YOUR league? Team-by-team breakdowns, rankings, and more. For details and to book a show, visit: GoingFor2.com/plp.