The Magic have waived Patrick Beverley just days after acquiring the veteran guard in a trade, the team announced Sunday.
Beverley landed in Orlando as a part of a deal that sent big man Mo Bamba back to the Lakers—just one of a few moves that Los Angeles made to re-shuffle the roster around LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The Lakers also sent a second-round pick to the Magic in the trade.
Though he may have ended the week in Orlando, Beverley was never expected to remain with a young Magic team that’s currently on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. Upon being waived Sunday, the NBA journeyman will have a chance to sign with a contender for the stretch run.
Beverley, 34, played in and started 45 games for the Lakers this season, his first and only year with the franchise. In just shy of 27 minutes per contest, he averaged 6.4 points, 3.1 rebounds and 2.6 assists.
Known for his relentless energy and pestering defense, Beverley has plenty to provide a playoff team, just as he did last year for a young Timberwolves squad. Now back on the open market, Beverley will look to provide the same contribution to one of this year’s contenders as the postseason rapidly approaches.
