Orlando Magic Trade Value Column 2019: Who are the Orlando Magic's most valuable trade assets

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Jonathan Isaac, Orlando Magic, Minnesota Timberwolves

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 4: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic boxes out Dario Saric #36 of the Minnesota Timberwolves on January 4, 2019 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. 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 2019 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /

2. Jonathan Isaac (3 years, $18.1 million)

Back at Summer League, Jonathan Isaac was the talk of the league for a few days. He and Mohamed Bamba combined to swat every shot in sight, closing down the lane and revealing the possibilities of a lineup that featured two players with unbelievable wingspan could do to defenses.

That felt very real. As did Isaac’s offensive production that week.

Granted, there were hints of flaws. He shot a poor percentage and turned the ball over a lot with the ball in his hands. Exactly how far Isaac’s game could go was still a complete mystery.

This year was not going to solve it after missing almost all of his real rookie season with a leg injury. By the time he came back, the season was over and the Magic just wanted him to dip his toe in the water and get his feet wet. This year would be his real rookie year.

And Isaac has looked like a rookie in a lot of ways. He has had his ups and downs. But the real goal with Isaac was progress.

The league is seeing that progress now as Isaac has started to come into his own, showing more aggression and confidence offensively that feed shis defensive prowess. If anything, the Magic need to give Isaac more opportunities to show himself off.

No one around the league is likely ready to give up on Isaac and what he one day might become. Maybe he is not a superstar, but the potential for an all-defensive team player who can hit open threes consistently is plenty present at the moment.

It is not all there yet. Isaac still struggles with his 3-point shot and generally playing consistently. He makes a ton of rookie mistakes still and his inexperience and eagerness sometimes betray his defensive abilities and length.

The Magic, as a still-rebuilding team, are in no position to trade away any young players like Isaac unless they are getting cost-controlled stars in return. That is not happening. Teams want Isaac but will not pay the price of a foundational player for it. The Magic are eager to watch him grow.