In a move designed to transfer leadership to the team’s young core of players, create future salary-cap flexibility and assist their all-time leader in assists, the Orlando Magic cut ties with 10-year veteran point guard Jameer Nelson on Monday.
One of only two players ever to wear a Magic uniform for 10 seasons, Nelson was waived by the only team that he’s ever played for professionally so that he could become an unrestricted free agent when the courting period begins in less than nine hours at midnight.
Nelson was due to make $8 million next season if he was on Orlando’s roster after July 15, but the Magic saved $6 million on the salary cap by waiving Nelson now.