Aside from Serge Ibaka, who should the Orlando Magic be looking to trade and for what return?
Rossman-Reich: I think the Magic should still be hunting for deals. They probably do not have enough to chase a star. So for me, it is about finding players that complement their core group (whatever that looks like). They need to find a shooter and probably find a traditional 4 or a stretch-4 who can defend bigger power forwards. Nikola Vucevic is probably the guy the team will have to deal to make any of this work. But Elfrid Payton also is going to be in conversations.
Iwanowski: Obviously, if the Magic can get anything for Jeff Green, C.J. Watson, or D.J. Augustin, they should. For players of whom the Magic have a realistic shot of trading, Nikola Vucevic does come to mind first. However, I am not sure there is so much of a market for big men with questionable defensive skills. Guys like Greg Monroe and Jahlil Okafor have been on the market for a long time with no bidders. If the Magic do not get a good offer for Vucevic, they may as well just keep him. One interesting player they may choose to trade is Mario Hezonja. Although I think at this point in the season, they should give him a chance to develop. It is very possible Mario Hezonja will never be a rotation-caliber player in Orlando. Another team may end up trying to get him for a small price from the Magic with the hope that he flourishes elsewhere, which happened with Maurice Harkless.
Grullon: As it has been reported by multiple sources, the Orlando Magic will be very active heading into the trade deadline. It appears Rob Hennigan is not done making moves after the Ibaka trade and will continue to explore ways to improve this roster. Since making the playoffs is a long shot at this point, the Magic should be looking to move veteran players like Jeff Green, D.J. Augustin, C.J. Watson and even Nikola Vucevic if the right offer comes along. Another player the Magic should at least explore trading is Elfrid Payton. Payton has a lot of potential and is very young, but his days in Orlando as a starter seem to have come to an end.
McMillan: The Magic have reportedly been active in the trade market for quite a while this season. At this point, there are no players on the roster that are untouchable in my opinion. The entire league is aware of Orlando’s activity and Rob Hennegan should listen to any and all offers that come his way. Veterans like C.J. Watson, D.J. Augustin and Jeff Green should be able to add depth to a contending roster like the Cleveland Cavaliers or the Boston Celtics. So those guys should be the next to go. Individually, these guys might only fetch a second round pick or an unproven youngster. If the Magic can find a taker, they should look to package a couple of these guys for a pick and a young player in return. The Magic’s most valuable asset in Nikola Vucevic may not be in high demand with the number of other available bigs with the same skill set. Vucevic alone may not be intriguing but couple him with Mario Hezonja who still has to prove himself or with Elfrid Payton who has shown flashes of brilliance might get the best return for Orlando. During the press conference after the Serge Ibaka trade, Rob Hennigan let it be known that making the Playoffs is still the goal. With that in mind, the Magic will not be giving up all of their young talent for draft picks. At least not yet.
Jumani: The Magic should be looking to deal Jeff Green the most. He has been horrible this season and is on a one-year deal, which other teams can take a gamble on because his contract will not be on their books for upcoming seasons. The Magic should take a second round pick if they can get one for Green. Other than Green, the Magic should look to trade D.J. Augustin and C.J. Watson along with Green for a good point guard. Elfrid Payton as a long-term starting point guard will not work. But he would be a great backup. I am still strongly against trading Payton though. He has shown glimpses of great potential.