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

5 of 5

BOSTON, MA – DECEMBER 15: Alec Burks #10 of the Utah Jazz drives on Shane Larkin #8 of the Boston Celtics during the second half of the game at TD Garden on December 15, 2017 in Boston, Massachusetts. 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 Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /

Utah Jazz (21st Overall Pick)

The best bet, in my opinion, for the Orlando Magic to make a trade in this Draft is to try to trade their two second-round picks (35th and 41st overall) to get back into the late first round. Maybe it is here the Magic could dangle one of their bigger salaries, trying to convince a team in the Playoff hunt that a veteran is their best chance at taking that next step over a rookie.

There are definitely a few teams late in the first round that could be good for this kind of a deal. The two second-round picks plus a veteran for a late first-round pick and maybe a struggling veteran.

During the Locked On mock draft, I was able to engage a conversation with the Utah Jazz about moving into the 21st pick. There was at least some interest, although we did not have the time to fully develop a deal.

The trade I offered was the 35th and 41st overall picks and Nikola Vucevic for the 21st overall pick and Alec Burks. Burks’ and Vucevic’s salaries are comparable. Burks is paid a bit less at $11.4 million. But Vucevic is a much more productive player. He could give the team some cover if they lose Derrick Favors in free agency. Even if he is merely coming off the bench as a scorer.

It is unclear how much Utah values this pick. Jonathan Givony of ESPN currently has the team taking sharpshooter Kevin Huerter with Elie Okobo, De’Anthony Melton and Dzanan Musa hanging around that spot too.

But the Jazz are also a team that struggles to attract good players in free agency. So maybe they are willing to take on a bit of a higher salary on long-term money to ensure they get a quality player to improve their team.

Fans have long speculated about the Jazz’s interest in Evan Fournier. It not only makes sense because of Evan Fournier’s friendship with Rudy Gobert. But it makes roster sense too. The Jazz could use another wing shooter and creator. Fournier would fit in perfectly next to Ricky Rubio and Donovan Mitchell. He would provide good cover and competition for Joe Ingles too.

Utah could throw in Jae Crowder, who had a disappointing season last year, to make salaries work.

Whether or not something like that comes together, you can see the framework of a deal. And the Magic then could add a few interesting veteran players plus another first-round pick. While the Jazz can add an instant impact player and a chance to mine the second round. This is the kind of deal that seems most likely.

Next: Wendell Carter Jr. wants to be a Renaissance man

Other targets for a similar deal might come with the Minnesota Timberwolves (20th overall pick) or Portland Trail Blazers (24th overall pick).