Orlando Magic Daily
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Who stays, who goes? Spelling out the future of the Orlando Magic

By Sam Skubala

LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 7: Aaron Gordon #00 and Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic high-five during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at STAPLES Center on March 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 7: Aaron Gordon #00 and Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic high-five during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at STAPLES Center on March 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Aaron Gordon, Nikola Vucevic, Orlando Magic
LOS ANGELES, CA – MARCH 7: Aaron Gordon #00 and Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic high-five during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at STAPLES Center on March 7, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Following their most disappointing season since the beginning of the Rob Hennigan rebuild in 2012, the Orlando Magic could be set for an exodus.

This season was meant to be an evaluation year for the Orlando Magic. There was some thought they could finally start contending for the playoffs with the team’s continuity and stability. But really, it was about new management figuring out which players were truly part of the future.

Bursting out the gates, the rejuvenated Orlando Magic picked up victories over teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, San Antonio Spurs, and New Orleans Pelicans. At one stage, the team even led the Eastern Conference.

But the Magic’s customary mediocrity soon returned, and a horrendous 6-31 run through November, December and early January cemented their status as basement dwellers for a sixth consecutive season.

Injuries limited the squad, while All-Star caliber starts to the season from Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic soon faded. The team once again appeared to be without direction, nor identity.

This leaves the Orlando Magic in a difficult situation heading into the 2018 offseason. Aaron Gordon is likely to command a hefty offer sheet in his restricted free agency, and other key players including Nikola Vucevic are set to enter the final year of their contracts.

Which leaves one vital question as the season nears its end — who should stay, and who should go?