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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Volume 21: The winds of change

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Feb 13, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) looks on during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 13, 2017; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) looks on during the first half against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
Dec 18, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic center Nikola Vucevic (9) and guard Victor Oladipo (5) high five against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

This is the big question for the Orlando Magic now. They have traded Serge Ibaka and recouped some value. So who is next?

I think the obvious two answers are Nikola Vucevic and Elfrid Payton. They are the easiest contracts to move and should retain some value. They also seem to go against the grain of the modern NBA. It feels like it is time to see what they can get or just cash it in and move on to begin rebuilding.

It is going to be important in this next phase for the Magic to build a roster with complementary skills. If Aaron Gordon is going to be the Magic’s core player, they need to find players that complement his skill set.

No matter what the Magic do or how they try to build, Vucevic is going to be the easiest player to move.

I do not think it will happen before the trade deadline, though. Orlando is going to explore every option. It would not surprise me if they make a minor move involving Jeff Green or C.J. Watson before the deadline.

But I think the Magic will survey the market and see what these players’ values are. Ultimately, they probably wait until the draft to make deals.

Next: Orlando Magic's season gets a reset after All-Star Break

Thanks everyone for your questions for this edition of the Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag. If you have any question, be sure to follow me on Twitter @omagicdaily and ask away.