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Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2018

By Philip Rossman-Reich

ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 6: Aaron Gordon #00, Nikola Vucevic #9, and Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic look on during game against the Atlanta Hawks on December 6, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - DECEMBER 6: Aaron Gordon #00, Nikola Vucevic #9, and Evan Fournier #10 of the Orlando Magic look on during game against the Atlanta Hawks on December 6, 2017 at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Marreese Speights, Orlando Magic, Ian Mahinmi, Washington Wizards
WASHINGTON, DC –  JANUARY 12: Marreese Speights #5 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball against the Washington Wizards on January 12, 2018 at Capital One Arena in Washington, DC. 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Ned Dishman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Category I — Sure, you can have them

16. Arron Afflalo (1 year, $1.5 million)

When the Orlando Magic signed Arron Afflalo, there was a wave of nostalgia. Here was a veteran who wanted to be back in Orlando and understood his role was to impart wisdom to the young players. Any contribution he gave would be a bit of an added bonus.

But the thought was he could still contribute something on the floor. After all, last year was a down year for Afflalo but still not a bad one. He averaged 8.4 points per game and shot 41.1 percent from beyond the arc. The Magic thought they could count on him for at least that.

Instead, Afflalo has struggled more than any other player on the roster. His big highlight this year was a punch he threw at Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica. There have not been a ton of offensive fireworks, that is for sure.

Afflalo has shot just 38.1 percent from floor, although a respectable 36.4 percent from beyond the arc. It still feels like the Magic have needed more from him. He has not been the reliable veteran the Magic hoped for.

And after the trade deadline, it will be harder to justify playing him. Especially at the expense of younger players.

Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic /

Orlando Magic

15. Jamel Artis (2-way contract)

The Orlando Magic have not used Jamel Artis a ton this season. He has appeared in just five games, playing a total of 55 minutes. It is hard to get too much of a feel for him. He should still have plenty of days left on his two-way contract. And, at a certain point, the Magic should call him up and try to get him in the rotation. At least so they have a good understanding of what to expect from him for Summer League.

Artis has played well in the G-League for the Lakeland Magic. He is averaging 19.6 points per game and shooting 45.9 percent from the floor. He is a good defender and a developing shooter. The Magic are clearly impressed with him. Enough to invest a two-way deal.

It is just very tough to move them. There is no trade for a two-way contract. Artis has value because of his youth. But really, the Magic are going to see what he can do in the last 20 games of the season — or after the G-League season ends in March — and then probably give him a look in Summer League.

14. Marreese Speights (1 year, $1.5 million)

Whenever anyone asks coach Frank Vogel about Marreese Speights, he kind of smirks. Speights is what he is. That is the best way to describe him.

Put him in the game, and he will not be shy about letting it fly from deep or taking as many shots. The hope is that enough of them will go in to change the game and swing it in the team’s favor. That has happened enough times for the Magic this year that Vogel seems a bit afraid to take him out of the rotation.

Speights has that ability to get hot and change the game with his shooting. And at center, that remains very valuable. The Magic have tried to use it to the best of their abilities. He runs hot and cold. And even though he has a decent basketball IQ, his defensive desire and execution are not always up to snuff.

Still, other teams certainly could value what Speights does. And it would not be surprising if a team were interested in bringing in the veteran big man. the magic would probably be willing to throw him into a trade.

But, on a minimum contract, that is about all Speights could be. A throw into a larger deal. It would be hard to make him the center of a deal. And it does not seem anyone would go out of their way for him unless he got bought out first.