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Orlando Magic trade negotiations leaked in latest Game of Zones

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Mar 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross (31) react to the Toronto Raptors bench as he is recognized for his playing career in Toronto as guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks on at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 131-112. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 27, 2017; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Terrence Ross (31) react to the Toronto Raptors bench as he is recognized for his playing career in Toronto as guard DeMar DeRozan (10) looks on at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 131-112. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic’s trade negotiations with the Toronto Raptors were recently leaked in the latest episode of Bleacher/Report’s Game of Zones.

The Orlando Magic have had to deal with their fair share of leaks this season. The leaked whiteboard was an embarrassing situation that appeared to reveal the Magic’s offseason plans. It was all laid bare.

Now there is this.

The Magic’s trade negotiations with the Toronto Raptors before the trade deadline has been revealed. The team nearly gave up Mario Hezonja. . . but the Raptors preferred the horse.

It can do horse things. It is hard to argue against that.

Obviously, this is the latest episode of Bleacher/Report’s Game of Zones. The animated parody though does hit a bit close to home as it is easy to think that is exactly how the Magic’s negotiations with the Raptors could have gone in February.

It seemed inevitable the Magic were going to trade Serge Ibaka to the Raptors and Terrence Ross would be the one coming back in return. It was just a matter of the Raptors finally agreeing to it.

Almost literally, the Magic probably told the Raptors they were fifth in the Eastern Conference at the time and needed a boost. They also probably asked for DeMar DeRozan and Norman Powell before inevitably getting to Terrence Ross.

Whether or not the team tried to throw Mario Hezonja in. . . well, we will leave that to the comedy.

The reality is the deal ended up working out for both teams.

Ross arrived in Orlando and was a solid contributor, averaging 12.5 points per game. That would be a career high for him if it continued through an entire season. Orlando desperately needed the spacing his shooting could provide. And Ross’ athleticism proved to be a key asset for the Magic as they changed their offensive style.

Serge Ibaka was solid in Toronto too. He averaged 14.2 points per game and 6.8 rebounds per game to end the season.

Both teams seemed to get what they want. In addition to Ross, the Magic also acquired a first-round pick (which became the No. 25 pick in the upcoming NBA Draft).

Next: Orlando Magic must find plan to right the ship

It seemed the Magic got what they wanted in the end. But they could really use that horse right about now…