Roundup: Orlando Magic Trade Rumors

Roundup: Orlando Magic Trade Rumors

Looking at what trade rumors have been buzzing around Orlando.

Looking at what trade rumors have been buzzing around Orlando.

Well, would you look at that? We're getting closer and closer to that Trade Deadline on February 23rd. Some teams will stand still, and are completely happy with what they have. The Magic, are not one of those teams. Currently 20-34 and 13th in the Eastern Conference, it's apparent Orlando wants to shake things up immediately. Per Orlando Sentinel, GM Rob Hennigan stated:

“The simple answer to that is we need to explore every and all options to improve the team, and so we’re going to be aggressive. We’re going to be active in our discussions and in the opportunities we seek out. So we’re going to look to be active. I’m not sure it’s a ‘necessity,’ but it’s certainly something that’s in our best interests to explore.”

 There a few things that can possibly happen near or at the Trade Deadline. 

Nikola Vucevic

Whether it was being traded to the Heat, Celtics, or some other team looking for a big man, Vucevic has been swirling in rumors. He's actually the only Magic player remaining from the Dwight Howard trade, but it may just be his time to go. He's served this team well, but his lack of defense is questionable, and he truly just doesn't fit on the team anymore.

Since Vucevic has a team friendly contract, and he's still a talented young center, he can draw a lot of interest and potential pieces. Orlando has surely asked more teams than we know of to offer Vucevic, so we'll see if there are any takers.

Serge Ibaka

This is the biggest trade piece Orlando has, and they may want to trade Ibaka as soon as possible. Ibaka is an unrestricted free agent this coming summer, and with the way Orlando has been playing, it makes sense they have not impressed him. You can't just let someone as good as Ibaka leave without a morsel in return.

There are a couple of teams that have their binoculars set on Ibaka, but the one team that could be a good fit is Miami. The Magic were interested in Goran Dragic before, so maybe this could be their chance to pry him from Miami. Plus, Miami is really in the hunt for a power forward, so the interest is definitely there. Otherwise, the Magic have to get rid of Ibaka in some way, shape, or form. Whether it's for a high draft pick and a bunch of filler, or a go-to scorer (something the Magic were looking for anyway), it needs to happen. 

Everyone Else

The Magic seem very intent on listening to every single offer. That means almost everyone should be on the table. Elfrid Payton may be traded to sweeten a deal, or Jeff Green for anyone looking for a scoring veteran.

The only players that may be stored on the shelf is Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier. And even then, you never know when the right offer will come along. So, Orlando looks ready to blow things up. The rebuilding plan didn't work, the playoff chase didn't work either, so they really only have one plausible option. Start over. New roster, new approach, but with the same winning goal in mind. 

Well, would you look at that? We're getting closer and closer to that Trade Deadline on February 23rd. Some teams will stand still, and are completely happy with what they have. The Magic, are not one of those teams. Currently 20-34 and 13th in the Eastern Conference, it's apparent Orlando wants to shake things up immediately. Per Orlando Sentinel, GM Rob Hennigan stated:

“The simple answer to that is we need to explore every and all options to improve the team, and so we’re going to be aggressive. We’re going to be active in our discussions and in the opportunities we seek out. So we’re going to look to be active. I’m not sure it’s a ‘necessity,’ but it’s certainly something that’s in our best interests to explore.”

 There a few things that can possibly happen near or at the Trade Deadline. 

Nikola Vucevic

Whether it was being traded to the Heat, Celtics, or some other team looking for a big man, Vucevic has been swirling in rumors. He's actually the only Magic player remaining from the Dwight Howard trade, but it may just be his time to go. He's served this team well, but his lack of defense is questionable, and he truly just doesn't fit on the team anymore.

Since Vucevic has a team friendly contract, and he's still a talented young center, he can draw a lot of interest and potential pieces. Orlando has surely asked more teams than we know of to offer Vucevic, so we'll see if there are any takers.

Serge Ibaka

This is the biggest trade piece Orlando has, and they may want to trade Ibaka as soon as possible. Ibaka is an unrestricted free agent this coming summer, and with the way Orlando has been playing, it makes sense they have not impressed him. You can't just let someone as good as Ibaka leave without a morsel in return.

There are a couple of teams that have their binoculars set on Ibaka, but the one team that could be a good fit is Miami. The Magic were interested in Goran Dragic before, so maybe this could be their chance to pry him from Miami. Plus, Miami is really in the hunt for a power forward, so the interest is definitely there. Otherwise, the Magic have to get rid of Ibaka in some way, shape, or form. Whether it's for a high draft pick and a bunch of filler, or a go-to scorer (something the Magic were looking for anyway), it needs to happen. 

Everyone Else

The Magic seem very intent on listening to every single offer. That means almost everyone should be on the table. Elfrid Payton may be traded to sweeten a deal, or Jeff Green for anyone looking for a scoring veteran.

The only players that may be stored on the shelf is Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier. And even then, you never know when the right offer will come along. So, Orlando looks ready to blow things up. The rebuilding plan didn't work, the playoff chase didn't work either, so they really only have one plausible option. Start over. New roster, new approach, but with the same winning goal in mind. 

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