The 4 Most Ridiculous Orlando Magic Trade Rumors
By RJ Infantino
The run-up to the NBA’s trade deadline is a mess of misinformation and speculation. Lots of crazy possibilities get suggested by members of the media without any real basis in fact, and anything that has even a hint of truth to it has been dead long before it hits the public’s ears. With that in mind, here are some of the most absurd Orlando Magic trade rumors we have stumbled upon. (And in case you think we’re being too harsh, fear not. We take ourselves to task as well at the end).
Jan 29, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Orlando Magic guard Jameer Nelson (14) goes to the basket against the Toronto Raptors at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Magic 98-83. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
1. Orlando Willing to “Give Away” Jameer Nelson
ESPN.com’s Chad Ford suggested that the Orlando Magic would “give away” Glen Davis and Jameer Nelson at the trade deadline if they could. Not happening. Glen Davis could be had for a bag of peanuts, but the Magic would not give away their starting point guard and most tenured veteran for nothing. There’s simply no incentive.
As a veteran point guard with playoff experience and a reliable three-point stroke, Nelson has value, especially for playoff teams. While a first round pick is unlikely, he has much of the same value that JJ Redick had last season when he was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks. His contract next year is only partially guaranteed, and if the Magic don’t want to keep him they can cut him in the off-season. No need for charity.
2. Magic Trade Victor Oladipo and Andrew Nicholson to Toronto Raptors for Kyle Lowry
We love our Toronto Raptors sister blog (Raptors Rupture), but this might be the most illogical trade suggestion ever. Right off the bat, the Orlando Magic consider Oladipo “untouchable.” So that trade proposal would be dead on arrival. Second, why would the Magic trade anyone for a player they could sign in the off-season if they really wanted. If any trade happens with the Raptors, an Arron Afflalo for Terrence Ross swap makes much more sense.
Feb 10, 2014; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) cannot score as he goes to the basket against Toronto Raptors point guard Kyle Lowry (7) at Air Canada Centre. The Raptors beat the Pelicans 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
3. Jameer Nelson and Glen Davis for Emeka Okafor and a 1st Round Pick
Not all Orlando Magic trade rumors screw the Magic; in fact this one screws the other team. Chris Sheridan of Sheridan Hoops suggests the Magic could pull this off, but it’s not happening in any logical universe. Okafor, with his expiring/insurance-paid contract, is one of the most valuable assets on the trade market. He could bring back more than Nelson and Davis by himself. A trade with the 76ers (Spencer Hawes/Thadeus Young) or Lakers (Pau Gasol) is much more likely for the Suns.
4. Kyrie Irving to the Magic
We’ll be the first to admit that we also dive head first into murky Orlando Magic trade rumors on occasion. Kyrie Irving has never officially been shopped, but now that he is unhappy in Cleveland, a trade may be more likely than you think. The Magic have the draft picks and young productive players to get a deal done. But with Irving’s defensive deficiencies, it’s probably good that this one stays in fantasy land.
What do you think? Have you heard any more ridiculous Orlando Magic trade rumors? Let us know in the comments section below.