Orlando Magic: The 2019 NBA Trade Deadline presents impossible decisions

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ORLANDO, FL – MAY 30: Orlando Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman introduces new Head Coach Steve Clifford during a press conference on May 30, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Gary Bassing/NBAE via Getty Images) /

What are the Orlando Magic looking for?

So, what exactly is the right strategy for the Orlando Magic to pursue? What are they possibly thinking?

Based on how this front office has operated up to this point, it is safe to say the Magic will play it safe.

What exactly, is safe in the sense of the deadline? One must remember both Terrence Ross and Nikola Vucevic are expiring players. In addition to what they bring on the court, they also bring additional value to the Magic in the form of cap space this upcoming summer.

The Magic will calculate that value as they gauge the value of the proposals they will receive for those players. Orlando has to listen to whatever offer they receive and consider whether they can improve their long-term outlook over keeping them or re-signing them in the summer. This is still a rebuilding team, after all.

Another important factor to take into account is the Magic very well could still make the Playoffs if they were to trade Ross and received a certain type of return. Orlando’s backup point guard and depth struggles have been constantly noted this season. If the Magic were to receive a point guard in return for Ross, there is a chance the team may still improve overall.