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Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2016

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 16, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) gets high fives from teammates forwards Evan Fournier (10) and Channing Frye (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic won 113-98. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) gets high fives from teammates forwards Evan Fournier (10) and Channing Frye (8) during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Charlotte Hornets at Amway Center. The Orlando Magic won 113-98. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic
Apr 10, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) points from the court against the Toronto Raptors during the second quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Elfrid Payton, $13 million/4 years, Team Option in 2018, RFA in 2019

The Orlando Magic feel they have their point guard in Elfrid Payton. That is important. Especially with the way the league is.

And Payton is young enough to still have plenty to grow on. So those warts — the shooting and some of his consistency issues playing within Scott Skiles’ offense — are OK. He should still get plenty better even though he has struggled through a good chunk of this season.

There is still mystery about what Payton can become. Everyone seems enamored with his ability to get into the lane and pass. He has good length, good size and good vision. Everything a lot of teams want in a point guard. That makes him desirable on the trade market.

Of course, Payton has his warts.

He is trying to improve his jumper, but the progress has been slow and steady. He is shooting 42.6 percent from the floor this year, about the same as last year but his effective field goal percentage bumped up to 44.7 percent with his better and more confident 3-point shooting.

Payton’s future is dependent on his continued development as a shooter. Otherwise he has all the tools to be really good and should remain a curiosity on the trade market.

For now, he is about as untouchable as any player on the Magic (well, except for the four ahead of him on this list). His defensive regression has been worrying and a big part of the Magic’s struggles, but he has the potential and talent to improve in those areas.

The Magic are not going to part with Payton easily any time soon. A good point guard option, particularly a young one, is hard to find.

Next: 4. Mario Hezonja