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Orlando Magic Rumors: Jonathon Simmons expected to enter trade market

By Philip Rossman-Reich

NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 11: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic dribbles past the defense of Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks during the game at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2018 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 11: Jonathon Simmons #17 of the Orlando Magic dribbles past the defense of Kevin Knox #20 of the New York Knicks during the game at Madison Square Garden on November 11, 2018 in New York City. 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 Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /
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The Orlando Magic will have some big decisions to make as the trade deadline draws closer. Jonathon Simmons figures to be a part of those calculations.

The Orlando Magic have some big decisions to make as the NBA trade deadline approaches. As, at least, a quasi-rebuilding team, the Magic have to have one eye on their future with every move they make. They are not under any illusion that one major move will vault them into title contention — or out of the bottom half of the Playoffs.

The team is still very much in the fight for the final Playoff spot. Their game Sunday against the Detroit Pistons turned into a big one as the Orlando Magic try to get back into the Playoff picture.

There is a long time between now and the Feb. 7 trade deadline.

The Magic clearly still have work to do to rebuild the roster and could look to add a few players and pieces in that time. Or, if they fall in the standings and out of the Playoff picture, they could look to sell off some players for future assets and cap room.

What direction the Magic turn and how they decide to use the players on their roster is going to be one of the big storylines and mysteries for the next several weeks.

The one thing that is becoming clearer is that while teams will likely push for Nikola Vucevic and Terrence Ross from the Magic. The Magic are probably more likely to push back with Jonathon Simmons.

Shams Charania of The Athletic reports rival teams believe the Magic will shop Simmons around as the trade deadline nears:

"Magic guard Jonathon Simmons is expected to enter the potential trade market this season, rival teams believe. Simmons, who is in the second year of a three-year deal with the Magic, has seen his minutes diminish this season."

Simmons has had a bit of an up-and-down year so far. Entering Sunday’s game, Simmons is averaging 7.4 points per game and 2.1 assists per game on a 40.2 percent effective field goal percentage. It has been a difficult season for him so far.

The good news is that it seems he is rounding into form. After offseason wrist surgery kept him out for most of the summer, it does feel like he is starting to find his rhythm again. And now Orlando will use him some as a backup point guard hoping to resolve some of their depth issues.

But undoubtedly the Magic have a need at point guard they may look to fill immediately to keep their Playoff hopes alive.

The Magic will surely get a lot of interest in their players because of the team’s overall uncertainty. And Orlando itself is still trying to figure out its wants and needs.

Nikola Vucevic is playing at an All-Star level on an expiring contract. With Mohamed Bamba in the wings, the writing is seemingly on the wall that at some point the young rookie will take over as the starter. But that still feels several years away. It is still not clear though how much the Magic are willing to pay or how long they are willing to pay to keep Vucevic.

That surprise season has raised plenty of questions about his future and the Magic’s plans for him.

Terrence Ross’ career season has also come in a contract year. Ross has been vital for his scoring punch off the bench and his quick shotmaking. Ross still has the reputation of being a bit inconsistent and up and down. But this has by far been his best season.

Both Ross and Vucevic will likely garner the most interest in the trade market. But Simmons has his benefits too.

Teams know Simmons can be a solid driver and attacker off the dribble. He has shown that when given the minutes, he can put up some big scoring games. Especially when his streaky 3-point shooting is on target.

Adding to that, only $1 million of his $5.7 million salary next year is guaranteed. That certainly makes him more attractive to teams looking for short-term help but still some cap relief.

Teams likely will still prefer to push for Ross in the trade market. And the Magic could probably get more for Ross with his higher salary. But they likely are not ready to move on from him and could look to move Simmons to find improvements on the roster.

Next. Orlando Magic fighting for consistency at critical time. dark

Almost certainly this will not be the last we hear about Simmons in the trade rumor mill.