Cap Issues Led to Ryan Anderson Trade?
The Hornets were prepared to sign the power forward to an offer sheet worth between $34 million and $36 million over four seasons, and the Magic would’ve had the ability to match that offer sheet and keep (Ryan) Anderson.
But Magic general manager Rob Hennigan decided that it would not be prudent to match those salary figures because of the long-term implications for the franchise’s salary cap. So instead of allowing the Hornets to sign Anderson to an offer sheet, Hennigan chose to receive an asset — (Gustavo) Ayon — in return and maintain some cap flexibility for the future.
This past season, Anderson, 24, emerged as the Magic’s second-best asset, trailing only Dwight Howard. In his first year as a full-time starter, Anderson averaged 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds per game and won the NBA’s Most Improved Player Award.
The 6-foot-10 Anderson is a prototypical “stretch 4,” a power forward who forces opposing defenses to guard up to the 3-point line. Anderson, a gifted outside shooter, led the league in treys made and treys attempted in 2011-12.
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