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Orlando Magic 2018 NBA Draft Preview: Where the Orlando Magic might target trades

By Philip Rossman-Reich

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 25: Nikola Vucevic #9 of the Orlando Magic drives to the basket against Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Chandler Parsons, Memphis Grizzlies, Chicago Bulls
MEMPHIS, TN – MARCH 15: Chandler Parsons #25 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Chicago Bulls on March 15, 2018 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. 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 Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Memphis Grizzlies (4th overall pick)

Things have quickly picked up steam around the top of the Draft with several reports coming out that the Memphis Grizzlies are interested in trading down from the fourth pick if they can attach Chandler Parsons to the deal.

Parsons quite possibly has one of the worst contracts in the entire league. He is owed $49.2 million over the next two years. He played in just 36 games last year and just 70 games in the past two seasons as he dealt with various knee injuries. For reference, Bismack Biyombo makes $17 million per year.

The Grizzlies are seemingly desperate to get off this contract and move forward with a core that already has some solid established veterans. Even though they finished with the second-worst record in the league last year, the Grizzlies probably feel they are a healthy Marc Gasol and Mike Conley Jr. away from Playoff contention.

Whether the Grizzlies are looking to move down in the first round or to acquire a veteran remains to be seen. Likely now they see the opportunity to get rid of an undesirable contract to create some flexibility and the chance to get immediately better.

Moving up from the sixth pick to the fourth pick presents some trouble.

Bismack Biyombo’s contract is another undesirable contract and Orlando could help Memphis save some money in that swap. But then the Magic would also be getting perhaps the two more valuable players — Parsons at his best is a great stretch-4 with a strong offensive game. Maybe Orlando gives up Evan Fournier — also on a $17-million deal.

Either way, both trades would mean the Magic take on more salary and become further cash-strapped for the next two years, unable to make any free agent moves.

On top of that, it would likely put the Magic dangerously close to the luxury tax line. That could be problematic for a team that is not expecting to sniff the Playoffs for another few years. Even if they could get their guy at No. 4.

The option is still there. And a common theme that likely will emerge throughout this post is the idea that the Magic take on some veterans on what might be considered bad contracts to begin shuffling the deck or move up. To get something valuable, you likely have to take a hit. This might be that hit.