Did the Orlando Magic leak their trade and free agency targets?
As the Orlando Magic thought things could not get any worse, things actually did. A recent photo that surfaced on Twitter has gone viral and has put Orlando on the center stage.
The Orlando Magic announced Monday they signed two undrafted rookies, Marcus Georges-Hunt and Patricio Garino. At first, this did not make any headlines as the lottery-bound Magic were just signing a pair of prospect rookies.
That was until a photo leaked of Patricio Garino signing his contract. It was not Garino signing his contract that was newsworthy — photos like that are rather common — it was what happened behind him.
The tweet has since been deleted, but the Internet caught on and saved it for posterity.
The whiteboard has a list of NBA players who could be a target list for the team in free agency or trade. The whiteboard lists a focus on “hybrid” players and suggests players for free agency and trade. Also maybe some big mens that could help stretch the floor for them.
The list also targets towards Forwards, names like “Paul Millsap” and “Andre Iguodala” appeared on the board.
What really got the people’s attention was the “Saric (for AG) line.” It shows an idea of trading Magic forward Aaron Gordon for Philadelphia 76ers forward Dario Saric. It piqued everyone’s interest for sure even if it was just an idea bandied about.
Nothing on that white board means much of anything. It does not mean the Magic ever considered trading Gordon for Saric or even if the Magic are targeting these players. It may simply be brainstorming — or even an old list from before the trade deadline.
There is nothing wrong with the Magic having plans like this written on the board like that. Everyone sorts through problems and brainstorms differently.
But what is a problem is that the Magic allowed Garino to take that photo with the white board in plain sight. It is at best harmless and at worst embarrassing.
This could lead into an issue for Orlando as they already face the issue of missing playoffs for the fifth consecutive year, the longest drought in Magic franchise history. The Magic could be facing a departure with general manager Rob Hennigan as the Magic have been unable to gain any positive traction. And with the failure in building a roster this year and taking such a major step back, this incident is an embarrassing bow to a rough tenure.
"“Asked by the Orlando Sentinel for comment, Magic general manager Rob Hennigan said the lists are ‘not indicative of plans’ and were ‘simply listing options, including some of which other teams have inquired about.'”"
After a few hours, the photo that was originally posted by his agent were removed. This might have come after people ranted under his comments about the board being visible. Or the Magic noticed the embarrassing photo and ask for it to be removed.
Next: Orlando Magic still rely on Aaron Gordon's ascendance
At the very least, this is an embarrassing incident of the team’s internal discussions leaking to the public. And it does not make the franchise look good. The front office seems to be headed for more turmoil and change this summer.