Orlando Magic Daily
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The Orlando Magic trade value column

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 11, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Kyle O'Quinn (2) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) hold back New York Knicks center Andrea Bargnani (77) during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 89-83. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 11, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Kyle O'Quinn (2) and guard Elfrid Payton (4) hold back New York Knicks center Andrea Bargnani (77) during the fourth quarter of an NBA basketball game at Amway Center. The Magic won 89-83. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Andrew Nicholson, Rudy Gay, Maurice Harkless, Orlando Magic, Sacramento Kings
Dec 21, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Sacramento Kings small forward Rudy Gay (8) shoots as Orlando Magic power forward Andrew Nicholson (44) and small forward Maurice Harkless (21) defend during the second half at Amway Center. Sacramento Kings defeated the Orlando Magic 105-100. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Category III: We value him more than you do

10) Andrew Nicholson, $7.3 million/3 yrs., RFA 2016

Marc Stein reported last week that the Magic had agreed to make Nicholson more available for trades and try to find a better situation for the young power forward. Our Carson Ingle, reporting from All-Star Weekend in New York, said he spotted Nicholson in the city for All-Star Weekend. That certainly would increase speculation that he and his agent are working to get a deal done before Thursday’s deadline.

The problem is Nicholson is still on his rookie contract and the Magic likely believe in Nicholson more than any other team. The willingness to trade him leaked out by Stein certainly seems to suggest the Magic value him less and would take less on return than they would say Maurice Harkless (see below).

Nicholson has shown a ton of skill in his limited time. He has a robust post game that rightfully earned him the nickname “YMCA.” He added a 3-point shot to his game. But that seemed to limit him in the Magic’s mercurial offense. His defense remains an issue and the biggest thing that keeps him from seeing the floor.

So why would Harkless get the nod over Nicholson?

Nicholson is probably closer to his ceiling. He really peaked well his rookie season and has already started to decline. Whether it is confidence or whatever, his hook shot is not falling with the same reliability. He has fallen far off his expectation and his promise.

Nicholson can be moved. But it depends on how much the value him. They seem open to trading him, but that is no guarantee they actually move him.

Apr 16, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless (21) walks off the court as the Indiana Pacers beat the Magic 101-86 at Amway Center. Harkless finished with 14 points to lead Orlando. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 16, 2014; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Maurice Harkless (21) walks off the court as the Indiana Pacers beat the Magic 101-86 at Amway Center. Harkless finished with 14 points to lead Orlando. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports /

9) Maurice Harkless, $8.8 million/3 yrs., RFA 2016

Harkless is probably the hardest player on the Magic to figure.

On one hand, he has more than 100 starts in three years in the NBA. He has proven his potential with his athleticism and his defensive potential. But he has struggled to break into the rotation this season and has been buried on the bench.

It is really hard to give up on a first round pick. Especially one that everyone seems to think has the potential to be a player in this league, and in many ways has proven he can have effect on the game.

Harkless’ struggles this season have been well documents. Value-wise, they are what will keep him from being traded at this point.

Orlando probably values him more than other teams right now. The Magic likely still see a potential in him that other teams do not even if he cannot crack the rotation. Other teams likely see a player that they would like to steal from the Magic for a bargain price.

Here is the push and pull of the trade negotiations involving Maurice Harkless. The Magic are not going to give him away unless they get something valuable for him in return. About the only thing of value the Magic are likely to get for Harkless is another disappointing project or player high on potential that has not quite delivered.

It does not seem Orlando would be much in the market for that. The Magic would likely want someone that can contribute a little more immediately if they were to give up on Harkless’ upside. They do not seem ready to give up on him quite yet.

Next: Category IV: Let me think about it