Orlando Magic Daily
Fansided

Plenty of point guards may be available for Orlando Magic in trade market

By John Black

BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 22: Jerian Grant #22 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball while guarded by Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter of a game at TD Garden on October 22, 2018 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 22: Jerian Grant #22 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball while guarded by Terry Rozier #12 of the Boston Celtics in the first quarter of a game at TD Garden on October 22, 2018 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 Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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Elfrid Payton, Orlando Magic, Dennis Smith, Dallas Mavericks
ORLANDO, FL – OCTOBER 5: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks handles the ball against the Orlando Magic during a preseason game on October 5, 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 Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Dennis Smith, Jr., Dallas Mavericks

Dennis Smith, Jr. was talked about as being the Orlando Magic’s potential draft pick in 2017.

As we all know, the Magic took Jonathan Isaac instead. It feels like the Magic are happy with the pick, but plenty of fans saw what Smith did his rookie year and can do and wished they still had the chance to take the scoring guard.

Smith had a very solid rookie year with the Dallas Mavericks, averaging 15.2 points per game, 5.2 assists per game and 3.8 rebounds per game. Those are some strong numbers and Smith took advantage of the playing time Dallas was able to give him.

Despite his performance last year, there are already questions rising about Smith and his ability to play alongside Luka Doncic. His slow start to this year — both with injury and his scoring down to 13.0 points per game despite improved shooting percentages. Smith has seen his assists drop and turnovers rise while he continues to struggle on defense.

With Doncic being the clear future of the Mavericks franchise, Dallas might want to clear the backcourt blockage by moving Smith. It still feels a bit too early for this despite Dallas’ playoff ambitions. The Mavericks are one of the surprising teams in the league and have plenty of youth to develop.

There is no knowing what Dallas’s asking price for Smith will be, but the Magic could come away with a steal if he is on the table.

Orlando will surely have its eyes on other guards too as the trade market develops. For now, it feels like the team is looking to buy and not looking to move off its expiring contracts — like Nikola Vucevic or Terrence Ross.

D.J. Augustin playing past everyone's doubts. dark. Next

At least while the team is still in the Playoff hunt.