National Basketball Association

Magic make qualifying offers to Fournier, Dedmon

Updated Mar. 5, 2020 12:00 a.m. ET

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ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) The Orlando Magic have extended qualifying offers to swingman Evan Fournier and center Dewayne Dedmon.

The team announced the expected moves on Wednesday.

By extending qualifying offers before Thursday's deadline, the Magic now have the right to match any offer sheet either player may sign with another team. NBA free agency kicks off at midnight on Friday.

Fournier, a restricted free agent, is certainly the Magic's priority entering free agency. He had a breakout season in 2015-16 and is seen as a cornerstone for the Magic's future after averaging 15.4 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.22 steals last season.

Dedmon, a 7'0 journeyman, proved his value as an inside presence last season when Nikola Vucevic missed time due to injury.