Orlando Magic trade rumors and possibilities: Wings edition

Zach LaVine

It is no secret the Magic have a surplus of big men on their hands. If the team needs shooting and scoring from the wing, the first team that should come to mind as possible trade partners should be those that are looking to move backcourt pieces in exchange for frontcourt help.

Enter the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Despite being a popular pick to jump forward in the standings this season as their young core of Andrew Wiggins, Karl-Anthony Towns and Zach LaVine start to gel under new head coach and general manager Tom Thibodeau, the team has sputtered out to a 7-18 record – good for 14th in the Western Conference.

Patience has never been much of a virtue for Thibodeau, so naturally he has already been cited as saying that the team is looking for veteran frontcourt help, possibly in exchange for one of the Wolves’ young rising stars.

With Towns and Wiggins likely off the table, that leaves LaVine, a two-time Slam Dunk Contest champ with a penchant for cooking teams from beyond the arc.

The Magic need consistent shooting and a serious go-to scoring option. Having another guy who can throw down a few windmills or 360s and get a crowd on its feet does not hurt either.

In exchange, the Wolves will obviously want veteran frontcourt leadership. For the Magic that would probably mean giving up Serge Ibaka, which would undoubtedly be a tough sacrifice for the team and many fans. Nikola Vucevic might also be on the table, but Thibodeau would likely be more enticed by a more established defensive player.

Overall, it is not certain the Timberwolves will seriously entertain many offers for LaVine. But it is a possibility. The pieces are there on both sides and an Ibaka-LaVine deal would help fill both team’s needs, especially considering Vucevic’s surprising defensive uptick.

The LaVine rumors are largely unsubstantiated and speculative. But at this time of year, nothing can be ruled out.