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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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Mario Hezonja, Orlando Magic, Atlanta Hawks, Al Horford
Feb 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Orlando Magic guard Mario Hezonja (23) drives to the basket against Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) during the first half at Philips Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Mario Hezonja, $23.7 million/5 years, Team Options in 2018 & 2019, RFA in 2020

Mario Hezonja is still the big mystery among the NBA rookies.

The fifth overall pick has been slow to get playing time. But that appears to be slowly correcting itself. Scott Skiles has trusted Hezonja a lot more and he is making the most of his minutes, beginning to show the playmaking and shooting ability that got him his high draft slot.

That legendary confidence is beginning to peak through. The comfort in the NBA is growing and that is making him a better player.

There has been some frustration among fans with how he has grown and been developed. Skiles has had a short leash with him and pulled him after defensive mistakes. That does not hurt his value though.

Teams around the league obviously still have high hopes on him and believe he can fulfill that talent. Surely when the Magic approached teams for major deals they insisted on including Hezonja in the deal. The Magic have not used him enough to make his value all too clear.

The way they acted despite seeking a big splashy trade to push the rebuild forward in keeping Hezonja speaks worlds about what they think about him. Heck, trading Tobias Harris speaks a lot about how the Magic value Hezonja.

There is still a lot of work to go for Hezonja. He has not realized his potential yet. And the Magic are not about to let him go at this stage of his development. He is still really valuable as someone who could grow into a star in the league.

Next: No. 3 Victor Oladipo