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Magic sign C.J. Watson to reported 3-year, $15M contract

Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports

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The Orlando Magic have added some additional shooting to help let their offense breathe.

Flush with youth and potential but light on marksmanship, the Magic announced Thursday that they've signed veteran C.J. Watson to help fill out their backcourt. The deal is reportedly for three years and $15 million, with the third year only partially guaranteed.

The 31-year-old Watson will be tasked with playing the steady hand alongside Victor Oladipo and Elfrid Payton. At 6-foot-2, Watson is a bit small to cover shooting guards, but Oladipo is strong enough and Payton long enough that the Magic can run plenty of two-guard lineups, and Watson is solid as an on-ball defender at the one.

The biggest asset Watson will bring is his outside stroke. He's a 38.3 percent career 3-point shooter and canned 40 percent of his outside looks a season ago, proving his value as a role player in what could be a spacing-starved Magic offense.

Watson averaged 10 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.6 assists in 24.9 minutes for the Indiana Pacers last season.

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