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Orlando Magic Daily Mailbag Vol. 25: What comes next?

By Philip Rossman-Reich

DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 11: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic looks to pass against the Dallas Mavericks on February 11, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - FEBRUARY 11: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic looks to pass against the Dallas Mavericks on February 11, 2017 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Bismack Biyombo, Orlando Magic, Tim Hardaway Jr., Atlanta Hawks
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – DECEMBER 13: Bismack Biyombo #11 of the Orlando Magic boxes out against Tim Hardaway Jr. #10 of the Atlanta Hawks on December 13, 2016 at Philips Center in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images) /

I am not in the business of looking at specific deals. I try to avoid posting things that end up on the fake news/rumors sites (they exist, long before the political fake news craze).

And, as I noted earlier, it is hard to get a firm grasp on what the Magic could get for Vucevic. I just think the market is oversaturated with bigs.

On top of all that, I think it is very hard to get a sense of what the Magic are looking for in a trade — other than just a general upgrade in talent. Maybe Orlando is marshaling assets to go after a star or quasi-star at some point.

The problem with trading Vucevic — or Terrence Ross or Evan Fournier or anyone on the Magic roster — is their value is likely at an all-time low right now. The team is coming off that disappointing 29-win season and all the young players have lost a lot of their shine. It is hard to see any team clamoring to get in line to try to acquire any of them.

Vucevic’s contract becomes more attractive as it winds to its end. So his value should increase. Especially if he plays well. Everyone needs to play well to increase their value.

But what the Magic are after is not particularly clear. And if Orlando is going to find an upgrade, it will take several of the players they might be willing to play increasing their value.

Essentially, the Magic need to win and show some promise to get other teams interested in some of their players. Especially their long-term contracts in Evan Fournier, Bismack Biyombo and D.J. Augustin.

Biyombo is going to be the most difficult to move at the moment. He still has three years left on his deal at $17 million per year. That is tough to move to any team. Especially since he is coming off the bench. That is unless they are desperate for a starting center and really believe in Biyombo.

The reality is the Magic might be stuck with Biyombo for some time. And the greater reality is the Magic just need to win and restore some faith in their young players.