Mid-Season Trade Idea's for the Magic

 

February 10th, is a day a lot of Magic fans have their eye on. Why? Because it is the NBA trade deadline. The Magic being in a clear rebuild have a few fairly obvious players that could be on the move and maybe a few less obvious. Personally I do not think this is the time that they mage a huge game changing move but possible move a vet or two… Here are two key players I think that would could see moved, and their contracts. They are veterans that could be attractive to a playoff team that needs a push. Once their contracts expire they will be unrestricted free agents.

  1. Terrence Ross - 1.5 seasons left on contract, at 12.5m this SZN and 11.5m next

  2. Gary Harris - Expiring contract this season at 20.4m

The next two are a little less obvious but something could happen around them.

  1. Mohamed Bamba - Expiring 7.5m heading into restricted free agency

  2. Robin Lopez - Expiring 5m

In this article we do not touch on all of those player but what we wanted to do is have some fun, and put out a couple of fake trades… Now keep in mind, this is simply for fun…

By: Patrik Shehu

Magic Receive: Kendrick Nunn, Talen Horton Tucker (THT), Two Seconds

Lakers Receive: Terrence Ross

I’ve tussled with a few trades and this is the one that I think makes the most sense for us and around the league. Terrence Ross MAY get you a late first from a contender but the Lakers have shipped their future away until at least 2027 so I didn’t think it was worth waiting around for a lottery protected first 5 years away. This move is more of a thank you to Ross for what he’s done and sending him off to a team that will probably be competing for a title for the next two years. Not only that, but an opportunity for us to create assets in Kendrick Nunn and THT down the road. Kendrick is on a team friendly deal and should be very easily moved apart of a bigger deal later on, on top of creating more depth in the point guard room where we have struggled this year due to injuries. Also, I think that the Magic are a good spot for THT to maybe recover some of the love he had from the league last year with us, with plenty of opportunity here to blossom. Also, THT helps relieve that void that moving TRoss would leave in our second unit when it comes to scoring. The late seconds are also more assets later down the line that we know our Front Office won’t be using but assets nonetheless. All in all, it might not be the BEST move available out there but it seems like it would be the most likely for us. Some other teams I could see being heavily interested is Philly, Miami, Utah and Cleveland. 

By: CJ Hill

Magic Receive: Gordon Hayward and a second round pick

Hornets: Receive: Terrence Ross and Gary Harris.

 For a young Orlando Magic team this trade would give them a veteran presence that can provide stability as the young core begins to take the next steps in their development. Gordon Hayward is a 6’8 wing that can play multiple positions and score on all 3 levels. He is averaging 17ppg 5rpg and 4apg this season while taking a step back to the Charlotte Hornets young promising core. Hayward is on max contract so while he will tie up some of the Magic cap space the next two seasons he would serve as a big trade chip if the Magic decided to go star hunting. For the Hornets this trade would give them financial flexibility and quality veterans to make a playoff push this season and next. Gary Harris is an expiring contract but given the makeup of the Hornets roster and cap sheet Harris could provide them cap flexibility to bring back Miles Bridges, sign a quality center in free agency, and extend young PF PJ Washington. Terrence Ross is a solid wing that will give the Hornets a big boost off the bench along with the other pieces they have in place this season and next season while being on an affordable contract. Trades where both teams win are not easy to pull off in the NBA but this particular trade would definitely benefit both the Magic and Hornets. 

By: Ramin Baiat

Magic Receives: Joe Ingles ‘26 and Utah 1st (lotto protected)

Utah Receives: Gary Harris ‘22 IND 2nd (currently slotted at 35)

The Jazz get their long wanted perimeter defender in Gary Harris, with enough well rounded offensive game to fit in multiple lineups. In years past we’ve seen the Jazz lack of ability to stop dribble penetration greatly reduced the defensive impact of 3 time DPOY Rudy Gobert in playoff matchups. The Jazz potentially lose a top 20 protected future first & use injured and soon to be FA Joe Ingles contract to make the money work while receiving the currently slotted 35 overall pick in the ‘22 draft. Orlando does this to clear a rotation spot for incoming Markelle, flip the inevitably traded 2nd rounder & coming out with a future 1st giving them added ammo for a potential big condense move down the line. (Utah can include the least desirable of Azubuike, Hughes or Paschall to make the money work)

Cleveland Receives: Terrence Ross E’Twaun Moore IND ‘22 2nd (currently 35th overall)

Orlando Receives: Ricky Rubio, CLE ‘22 1st (t20 protected)

Cleveland lands their sole movement shooter and solid bench piece in Ross to push for possible playoff success and the valuable development it provides their youth. Sacrificing their 1st (currently slotted at 24) and dropping back to the early 2nd (currently slotted at 35) is a sacrifice but not a big one for two years of Ross. ORL hits from multiple perspectives on this. They cash in on Ross, flip the 2nd we know they won’t use, and clear a spot in the rotation for Markelle.

The trade deadline will have a lot of twists and turns. We gave a few different ideas that we think could happen. Will they… likely not but hey, the trade machine is for fun anyway right? Don’t stress Magic fans, the team is in good hands.

Thanks for reading and supporting The Close Up Magic.

 
Stephen Cameronnba, NBA trade deadlineComment