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NBA Trade Deadline: Five players Orlando Magic could pursue

By Brett David Roberts

Feb 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Nuggets power forward Kenneth Faried (35) is defended by Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 21, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Denver Nuggets power forward Kenneth Faried (35) is defended by Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson (22) during the second quarter at the United Center. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 4, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 4, 2016; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Brooklyn Nets forward Joe Johnson (7) advances the ball during the first quarter against the Boston Celtics at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

Joe Johnson

There is little appeal in acquiring Joe Johnson if not for one fact: He has a $24 million expiring deal that would free up a lot of cap room.

With the Magic needing to make decisions on which guys to keep (or which guys to chase, at that), shedding Johnson’s contract at season’s end would set Orlando up favorably for free agency in 2016.

Again, Harris could be chosen as the player to jettison, along with Channing Frye. That would match salaries. There are other ways to skin this cat, but that is a logical way to handle it  in many senses.

Yes, this move would most certainly weaken Orlando this season.

But do not be deluded: This Magic team is not yet on the cusp of contention, so barely missing the playoffs or being victims of a first round sweep would hardly be disaster.

If Orlando felt compelled to keep both Victor Oladipo and Evan Fournier aboard, this move would make great sense as it would enable them to have plenty of cap room to keep both and add another player in free agency.

However, if Hennigan feels Harris is a better reward than having both Oladipo and Fournier (and possibly another free agent), then it does not jive.

But the appeal of having the cap room and options is there, and the Magic have a glut of depth and talent to develop at shooting guard and small forward —namely, Mario Hezonja and Aaron Gordon.

Losing Harris to gain cap room and playing time for these young players would be smart, even if it did not appear so in the short-term.

Johnson is still capable of taking over games with his scoring and driving. As a half-year rental, he could help the Magic reach the Playoffs.

Next: Southpaw Gunner