Bust A Move
should #orlandomagic keep the roster the same or make a move? while it kills me to say, I think Vuc could return some good young wing (PG) options & allow Mo to thrive. he fits the timeline of Fultz, AG and Isaac. thoughts from other @OrlandoMagic fans needed!!! @OMagicDaily
— Louis (@HoopsTalk13) October 7, 2019
It never takes long for everyone to think about trades and how teams can get better.
Discussions around the league always center around trades and how teams can improve. And trades are going to be the primary way to pry away stars moving forward — certainly this year with such a weak free-agent class.
And the Magic’s slow start is not going to change a whole lot.
Aaron Gordon has a front-loaded contract that many around the league should be intrigued to acquire. He is still a 24-year-old player with good defensive instincts — even with his early-season offensive struggles, he has looked strong on defense.
Nikola Vucevic is also a player fans seem eager to trade. He just signed his four-year contract (front-loaded too). But Nikola Vucevic remains a flashpoint for fans.
Both players will have their attraction when the trade deadline really begins to pick up. And the team’s clear weaknesses — especially in their search for more shooting and offensive playmakers — is likely going to heighten attention at the trade deadline when the calendar turns to 2020.
It might be helpful to set out what the Magic’s goals might be in a trade then.
The Magic likely view themselves as budding contenders. So they are going to be careful about breaking this team-up. They know they have something that works and they are not going to break it up to accumulate “young assets” or move on from a player. Not unless someone like Markelle Fultz or Mohamed Bamba truly looks ready to start.
Markelle Fultz seems closer to that outcome than anyone else. D.J. Augustin on an expiring contract suddenly becomes a valuable trade chip when the time comes.
Mohamed Bamba still seems like he is far away. Even with Vucevic’s struggles, Bamba has not looked quite at home in his role. And he certainly would not fill in the solid production Vucevic has given the team for a long time.
Orlando will remain patient with Bamba for now.
If the Magic have one long-term goal for this season, it is to be in a position to make that next big move. I believe the Magic wanted to run things back, make the playoffs again and then use that to make the big move to launch into the next level for the team. Or determine if their young players can do that on their own.
The Magic are not about to blow things up. I do not see the team making any move that does not improve the team. They are probably not looking to trade for more draft picks or young players. The Magic want players who will contribute and help them win now.
It is still far too early to predict or say who the Magic might want to trade or what kind of player they will target. They obviously have needs they want to fill, but the market just is not there.
But you can already see the team get some of its ducks in a row. It just depends on how the season plays out.