Because he was a restricted free agent, and not unrestricted, Orlando just needed to match the highest bidder in order to retain Gortat on their roster. Had Gortat been an unrestricted free agent, then he could have chosen either offer.
Just after acquiring Brandon Bass, who signed a 4-year deal worth $18 million on Friday, July 10, 2009, from the Dallas Mavericks, the Magic added yet another high-upside prospect to their list of successful offseason moves on Monday, July 13, 2009 by signing Gortat. Now the team has legitimate depth in the front court. Expect Marcin Gortat and Brandon Bass to compete for the starting Power Forward spot alongside Dwight Howard for the upcoming 2009-2010 season.
Throw in Vince Carter to the mix and who needs draft picks?
The news isn't all good, however. Marcin Gortat is reportedly "very, very disappointed" according to his agent, Guy Zucker, who informed the Dallas Morning News about his client's reaction to the signing. The Dallas Mavericks were looking forward to the addition of Gortat, who would have been a tremendous fit for the team, as they would have offered him a lot of playing time.
The Orlando Magic have now exceeded the salary cap after signing Gortat. They are expected to owe about $10 million in luxury-taxes in July of 2010.
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