Three Bol Bol front-runners emerge after Magic waive him

Bol Bol was waived by the Orlando Magic this week despite coming off objectively the most productive season of his short NBA career.

After struggling to stay healthy for the better part of three years, the 23-year-old bounced back strong in 2022-23 and played in 70 outings for Orlando.

Along the way, Bol averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 21.5 minutes per game.

If not for the Magic having a ton of front court depth between Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., Franz Wagner and Jett Howard, Bol likely could have remained with the Magic. Alas, the team simply didn’t have room for him.

While Bol’s injury-proneness is obviously a cause for concern, he will have no trouble generating intrigue on the open market.

Three teams seem like clear front-runners for his services.

The Los Angeles Lakers have obviously had a busy offseason, but they have repeatedly expressed interest in adding another big man behind Anthony Davis. Jaxson Hayes is an intriguing player, but he is 6-foot-11 and fairly injury-prone in his own right.

There’s a reason names like Tristan Thompson have been floated in recent days. L.A. needs some size in the middle, and Bol could fit the bill.

It all just depends on the Lakers’ appetite for risk, given Bol’s health history. Obviously, the team is exploring some big trades that take priority over this signing, but this could be a high-risk, high-reward move if it comes to fruition.

If not Los Angeles, the Phoenix Suns also make a ton of sense. Bol would give them some depth off the bench in the middle, and he is the constant rim-protecting threat that, for some reason, Deandre Ayton refuses to be.

There is also enough offense on the Suns’ roster to get Bol plenty of free looks.

Finally, don’t sleep on the Dallas Mavericks. According to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, there is real interest there.

“Had heard the Magic were looking at dealing Bol Bol dating back to the NBA Draft,” he wrote.

“Two teams mentioned were Phoenix and Dallas, but the Suns have flushed out their veteran minimum centers. Wonder if Bol could be in the Mavericks’ plans if Dallas can find a deal for JaVale McGee.”

One way or another, Bol will find another opportunity in the NBA.

And quickly.

Where will Bol ultimately be playing come the beginning of the 2023-24 season? One way or another, an answer will emerge soon enough.