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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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Dec 4, 2015; New York, NY, Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) dribbles the ball around New York Knicks center Kevin Seraphin (1) in the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 108-91. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2015; New York, NY, Brooklyn Nets center Brook Lopez (11) dribbles the ball around New York Knicks center Kevin Seraphin (1) in the second half at Madison Square Garden. The Knicks won 108-91. Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

Kevin Seraphin

Kevin Seraphin was one we considered as a potential free agent signing, but he opted to sign a one-year deal with the New York Knicks. He has not received an abundance of playing time, appearing in just 24 of the Knicks’ games and averaging 11 minutes per contest.

But the skills he brings to the table would be welcome in Orlando as a backup center, and Andrew Nicholson has suddenly become an attractive piece that teams may want.

Nicholson is in the last year of his rookie deal, so this swap would essentially be sending one expiring contract for another, with both players auditioning for a new contract and role.

Over his career, Seraphin has averaged eight rebounds and 1.7 blocks per-36, so he is not a huge shot swatter, but he does a good job of covering big men in the post with his massive 6’10” 278 pound frame.

The Magic are a bit short on post defenders, or at least the variety that can body up with the bigger centers in the NBA.

This is a move that would likely anger Magic fans who have been so pleased to see Nicholson thrive, but Nicholson’s talents are redundant in some senses with Channing Frye and Tobias Harris both capable of stretching the floor like Nicholson does and a few other power forwards available.

Moreover, the Magic may be priced out of re-signing Nicholson if he keeps playing the way he is. That makes dealing him more likely, though by no means is it a move that is definitely going to occur.

The Magic could go in other directions, shopping Dewayne Dedmon or Jason Smith to bring in, essentially, their replacement in a guy like Seraphin.

What is important for now is to remember a player like Seraphin would be someone the Magic could target as a step up at backup center.