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Orlando Magic: The 2019 NBA Trade Deadline presents impossible decisions

By Zach Palmer

ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Jeff Weltman and John Hammond of the Orlando Magic during practice on November 17, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FL - NOVEMBER 17: Jeff Weltman and John Hammond of the Orlando Magic during practice on November 17, 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 Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic, Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokunmpo
ORLANDO, FL – JANUARY 19: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks attacks to block a basket by Terrence Ross #31 of the Orlando Magic during the game at the Amway Center on January 19, 2019 in Orlando, Florida. The Bucks defeated The Magic 118 to 108. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /

The Terrence Ross equation

The Orlando Magic will not go out and trade Terrence Ross for somebody like Jeremy Lin. The first note is this type of trade does not move the needle for the Atlanta Hawks in any direction and there is no long term benefit for the Magic in this scenario.

No, the Magic will likely only trade Ross if they believe the return for him adds a piece who will contribute for this team in the grand scheme of things.

So who are some players that are reportedly available that could first, play point guard and second, factor in as a long term piece for the Magic?

A few names come to mind, but at the top of the list would be Philadelphia 76ers guard Markelle Fultz. Fultz has a pretty strange injury history adding risk to a move like this. But the reward on this one is extremely high.

Another name to watch is Dallas Mavericks guard Dennis Smith. But I am not sure the Mavericks really want or need Ross. A couple other names that would fit that bill are Toronto Raptors guard Delon Wright, Boston Celtics restricted free agent-to-be Terry Rozier, and to a much lesser extent New York Knicks guard Frank Ntilikina.

The thing about Ross that makes him such a desirable trade piece is the role he plays pretty much exists on every team. Every team can use a shooter, and most teams can use a guy who can carry a bench unit.

The fact his contract is expiring is a bonus to teams (like Philadelphia) that need more cap space in the offseason to be able to free up max contract slots.

Ross has quickly endeared himself to many Magic fans. And the possibility still remains Orlando looks retain him this summer. They would not make a move unless the value of the return exceeds the potential value of keeping him.

But Ross is likely the most desirable player on the Magic roster at the deadline. Whether the Magic are attempting to sell or compete, the value Ross will return will be too much for the Magic front office to pass up.