Ben Gordon Has Team Option Declined by Magic: Latest Details, Comments, Reaction

The Orlando Magic went out on a limb to sign aging shooting guard Ben Gordon to a two-year, $9 million deal last summer, and the pact reportedly won't extend beyond the 2014-15 season.  

According to Yahoo Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski, Orlando has decided to decline Gordon's $4.5 million team option for 2015-16, making the 32-year-old an unrestricted free agent.  

In 56 appearances with the Magic last season, Gordon averaged 6.2 points while shooting 43.7 percent from the field and 36.1 percent from three. Although Gordon's overall conversion rate was his highest since the 2011-12 season, his cap number simply wasn't commensurate with his inconsistent production at this stage in his career. 

Since Orlando's undergoing a youth movement, shedding the cap space was the prudent move in this case. According to Wojnarowski, Orlando will now enter free agency with $14.5 million in free cash after declining Gordon's option. 

The Magic's main priority this summer will be deciding whether or not to retain the services of 22-year-old combo-forward Tobias Harris. Following a career-year that saw him average 17.1 points, 6.3 rebounds and 1.8 dimes while obliterating his previous career high by drilling 36.4 percent of his threes, Harris figures to garner significant interest from rival clubs. 

According to RealGM.com's Shams Charania, the Boston Celtics and Detroit Pistons are among the teams interested in Harris, who could reportedly garner a deal that pays close to $15 million annually.

With swingman and No. 5 overall pick Mario Hezonja now in the fold, Orlando could use the money made available via Gordon's option to plug rotational holes and opt to let Harris walk.