With the NBA Trade Deadline fast approaching, the leaders of the 30 franchises are busy making the necessary transfers before the fateful date of February 9. Of course, the situation of each team is different, and it is specifically for this reason that we wanted to make a special deadline paper by franchise. Presentation of the issues, issues to watch, intentions on the transfer market… we explain everything to you. On the menu today, the Orlando Magic
THE MAGIC, RATHER BUYER OR SELLER AT THE DEADLINE?
If Orlando is better and progressing lately (3 wins in the last 5 games), the Floridians still remain 13th in the Eastern Conference, with 20 wins and 31 losses. The Magic has a promising roster. The third-youngest team in the league, they are on course to win more games than in previous seasons. And Orlando has also tapped some of the best NBA formations : Celtics, Sixers, Warriors… Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have potential to become All-Stars, but for that, you have to surround them correctly and the Magic are working in this direction.
We can therefore expect the Disney franchise to move a little between now and the deadline, deciding to part with several veterans whose contracts are expiring to potentially recover a good counterpart (by attaching a young player or capital draft). This would allow Orlando to give an additional boost to its progress and possibly fight for a place in the play-in tournament this season, who knows?
THE MAGIC PLAYER(S) WHO COULD BE TRANSFERRED
There are a lot of people involved there.
First of all I am Bamba. The pivot extended this summer, when he was not badly courted. And that interest in him around the League would have had Orlando listening to offers about him. At 24, Bamba lost his starting spot and did not progress. Under contract until 2024 (he receives 10.3 million per season), he is shooting 7.2 points and 4.6 rebounds this year. His athletic, slender interior profile, capable of shooting from afar could appeal to some franchises looking for an upgrade on their bench.
At the same time, Gary Harris, who also re-signed with the Magic in the summer of 2022, could be used to balance salaries in a deal. A veteran shooter with an affordable contract, he is a type of player who can also interest people. Also take a look at R.J. Hampton. The point guard who has just been recalled from G-League has often been injured and has been the victim of competition in his position. Teams can acquire him after the Magic decided not to renew his contract for next season and no longer really count on him.
Do you think the Magic make a move at this year’s trade deadline? #MagicTogether #OrlandoMagic pic.twitter.com/pcWPXS1cbm
— Orlando Magic HQ (@OMagicHQ) January 27, 2023
And of course there is Terrence Ross. Despite persistent exit rumors for several years, the fullback remained in Orlando. And if the Magic don’t trade him before the 2023 Trade Deadline, then the 31-year-old could negotiate a buyout, but that will only be a last option. Ross, a free agent this summer, will probably not extend and the Magic therefore logically want to trade him. T-Ross is averaging 8 points and 38% from 3-point range this year.
THE PLAYERS DESIRED BY THE MAGIC
The Orlando leaders have all their first-round picks, plus they picked up two from Chicago two years ago in the Nikola Vucevic trade. They therefore have assets, not to mention the young players who may interest people (Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, RJ Hampton, etc.)
As for the tracked players, not much concrete. Fred VanVleet was once linked to the Florida franchise, but the competition on the file is aggressive. And then, does the official Drake lookalike want to be part of the reconstruction project? Not sure. We will still be watching this case closely.
Nikola Vucevic, who left Orlando two years ago for the Bulls, reportedly spoke of wanting to return. But the deal is expected to stay on hold until this summer, when Vooch becomes a free agent.
The Suns and Magic have emerged as potential free-agent suitors for Fred VanVleet, sources tell @ShamsCharania.
VanVleet is among several Raptors players teams are monitoring ahead of the trade deadline if Toronto decides to rebuild.https://t.co/AebTkP4hes pic.twitter.com/QoXLAzh4SO
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) January 17, 2023
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Source texte : Hoops Hype, Basketball Reference