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Orlando Magic Rumors: Orlando Magic most desperate to make deal before deadline

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14), forward Serge Ibaka (7), forward Aaron Gordon (00), center Bismack Biyombo (11) and guard Evan Fournier (10) huddle up against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 7, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard D.J. Augustin (14), forward Serge Ibaka (7), forward Aaron Gordon (00), center Bismack Biyombo (11) and guard Evan Fournier (10) huddle up against the Boston Celtics during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Orlando Magic have publicly stated they are actively looking for a deal. Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype asked around and found the Magic are desperate.

Orlando Magic general manager Rob Hennigan has usually kept a tight ship. There are very few leaks coming from the Magic circle, and it is rare to hear very much coming directly from the Magic.

So the run up to this trade deadline has been odd. Or at least uncharacteristic.

Magic officials have admitted not only they are looking to improve the team generally, but have stated they are actively looking for a deal. Team officials have said on the record they are aggressively pursuing deals.

And why would they not? The Magic are 19-32 and struggling to stay in the Playoff race, if they can even claim that at all. At 4.5 games out, the path to the Playoffs is not impossible, but the odds are extremely long. Especially considering the team has to climb past almost every team in the Eastern Conference just to get there.

There is a sense of desperation. If the Magic are going to make a Playoff push, they need to start winning games soon. And very realistically they will probably need a splashy move.

The problem is the Magic also need to think about their future. And there is a kill date when the Playoffs become realistically unattainable and the Magic have to begin thinking what can they get for Serge Ibaka to ensure they do not lose him without receiving any compensation.

That gives the Magic two postures at the trade deadline. And two postures that both require a trade. It is no surprise the Magic are among the teams at least appearing to be the most desperate.

And, according to Alex Kennedy of HoopsHype, many league sources seem to agree. The Magic are desperate for a move.

"One thing is certain: Orlando is trying to wheel and deal before the deadline. I recently asked a number of league sources, “Which NBA teams are most desperate to make a trade before the deadline?”Every single source mentioned Orlando."

This should not be too much of a surprise, of course, for the reasons listed above.

What this means, though, could be very concerning. And might well explain why the Magic are not getting a deal quite yet. Positions may — and likely will — change before the Feb. 23 trade deadline.

Sean Deveney of Sporting News, in reporting the Magic were stepping up their efforts to trade Serge Ibaka, said the Magic were asking a lot for him. Executives were not willing to budge. Kennedy in his report seems to suggest teams are circling the Magic looking to get a quality player at a bargain price.

There just is not a deal there yet. The Magic are asking for too much and the rival executives have no reason not to look for anything but bargains yet. Both positions will soften as the deadline draws closer.

To be sure, this is another sign the Magic are exploring a lot of different options. Their “desperation” may be more in the urgency and willingness they are to explore ideas rather than the urgency to get a deal done soon or before the trade deadline.

This is all part of the give and take of these negotiations.

Next: Potential landing spots for Serge Ibaka

The Orlando Magic are looking to make a deal. In all likelihood, they will. The curious part is exactly what that deal looks like. And that will have to come together in the next three weeks.