With Arron Afflalo off the market, a Jameer Nelson trade is the only way for the Orlando Magic to be active at this year’s trade deadline. As a steady ball-handler, knock-down jump shooter, and playoff veteran, Nelson could help any team looking to fortify their bench for the postseason. Below we take a look at four Jameer Nelson trade scenarios, take a look and let us know what you think.
Feb 9, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson (14) shoots over Indiana Pacers point guard George Hill (3) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
New York Knicks (J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert for Jameer Nelson and Andrew Nicholson)
The Knicks need real post scoring and a point guard who is more reliable than Raymond Felton. Nelson is a luxury on a non-playoff team and Nicholson has fallen out of favor with Jacque Vaughn. This is the type of challenge trade with high upside that can improve both teams this year and beyond.
The Knicks have grown tired of Smith’s antics and have been looking to move him, but the real prize here is Shumpert. He’s an elite defensive shooting guard who can guard anyone from point guards to small forwards. Alone Smith and Shumpert are one dimensional players, but together they are affordable pieces to an intimidating bench.
Detroit Pistons (Charlie Villanueva, Tony Mitchell, and Peyton Siva for Jameer Nelson)
A trade like this is why the Magic haven’t filled their two empty roster spots. Villanueva clears the cap, giving the Magic more room to make serious runs at free agents this summer. Mitchell is an athletic freak, if a little raw, while Siva is a defensive bulldog of a point guard. Mitchell is unlikely to be any more than a role player and Siva has a low ceiling, but the bottom of the Magic’s roster has been dreadful and some turnover might invigorate the unit. The Pistons need shooting and reliability behind Brandon Jennings, so if they want to make a playoff push, they could make this trade without mortgaging their future.
Washington Wizards (Jan Vesely, Kevin Seraphin, Eric Maynor, and a 2nd round pick for Jameer Neslon)
The Wizards have been extremely disappointed in their back-up point guard, and Nelson would be a big step up. He could also play alongside John Wall if needed. The key to this trade for the Magic is Vesely, who is a long string of athletic potential. He is limited on offense to dunks (his FT% is a ghastly 26.7%), but he’s got to grow to stay in the league. The price is taking back Maynor, who has played poorly enough to make the Wizard’s look for help on the trade market.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Shabazz Muhammad and J.J. Barea for Jameer Nelson)
This deal was suggested by SI.com’s Rob Mahoney. The Magic are not going to get a first round pick for anyone but Arron Afflalo, but a recent first round pick in a Jameer Nelson trade could be a nice consolation. Muhammad hasn’t made much of an impression on the league and has spent time in the D-League, but he is a scorer who could platoon with Maurice Harkless to form an offense/defense trade-off.
Barea has been awful for the Wolves, and that’s why they are looking for an upgrade. They score 10.2 fewer points per 100 possessions when Barea replaces Rickey Rubio in the line-up. And Barea is supposed to be n offensive spark plug. He was once a productive bench player and the Magic could try to revive that.
What do you think? Are any of these Jameer Nelson trade scenarios viable? Let us know in the comments section below! Want more Magic? Sign up for our newsletter!