Taking a cue from Grantland’s Bill Simmons and his popular column. What is the trade value of each Orlando Magic player? We rank them 1-15.
The NBA Trade Deadline is quickly approaching — February 19, less than a week away — and eyes are turning quickly toward what deals the Magic might make. And, like every trade deadline, it will be an important one for the Magic.
Orlando has some interesting expiring contracts to play around with. Not to mention young assets the Magic could potentially cash in on.
As always, Rob Hennigan seems to be in a real interesting spot from an asset standpoint. And, as he has said numerous times, the Magic are going to explore every avenue available to them.
There is also the problem on the floor.
Continuing to lose at this alarming rate and in this alarming way, cannot keep up. Something will have to change aside from the coaching staff this summer. That transformation could begin this week.
The Magic are also going to keep an eye on the future. Their trade deadline strategy is going to call for the team to examine everything sent their way, but it will also require them to retain assets or and keep future cap flexibility (target is 2016 for a big-name free agent, it looks like).
Orlando is not going to cash in on assets for a questionable star or some high-priced player. The team is not about to mortgage its future for a fleeting Playoff trip.
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So the Magic appear to be neither buyers nor sellers at this trade deadline. They are still evaluating all their assets and getting a sense of who to keep and who to cash in. That is why Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel named Elfrid Payton, Victor Oladipo and Nikola Vucevic as the team’s untouchable players. Hard to argue with that.
Just about everyone else on the roster could be had for the right price.
With Bill Simmons’ annual trade value column coming out earlier this month, it seemed like a good time to review and rank the value of each player on the Magic roster.
Like Simmons, everything is in consideration: salary, contract length, on-court production, etc. This is only my list and how I would rank the trade value of each Magic player.
Like Simmons, I will break them down into categories and highlight some of the more valuable players on the Magic’s roster.
Next: Categories I & II -- Devyn Marble and the Veterans