The Orlando Magic need to find trade opportunities everywhere, even from their biggest rivals. Who might they target from the Southeast Division?
So far we have identified one player from each team in the Atlantic and Central Divisions that the Orlando Magic could target to help address the offensive weaknesses on the roster.
The Magic front office has big decisions to make this offseason following two straight years of first-round exits in the playoffs. Whether Aaron Gordon and Nikola Vucevic will stay or go, the future of Evan Fournier and whether or not the front office should make use of the trade market are all decisions that need to be made.
If the Magic decide to explore trade options then the offense, particularly the lack of strong shooting on the roster, is something that has to be addressed.
The team had few problems defensively this season, ranking tied for 10th in the league in defensive rating, giving up 109.2 points per 100 possessions, and ranked eighth for both steals and blocks.
But it was a different story on offense. The Magic ranked just 23rd for offensive rating, scoring 107.9 points per 100 possessions. They were 25th in 3-point percentage at 34.3-percent and 22nd in 3-point shots made per game at 11.1. They were also 27th in field goals made per game with 39.3 percent.
Of course, injuries were a factor in the apparent lack of progress the team made but there are also serious issues that must be addressed sooner rather than later.
When it comes to potential trades, strengthening with better shooting, especially at the wing positions, is something that has to be a priority. Evan Fournier once again had a disappointing playoff series despite a strong regular season and it remains unclear as to whether he will take up his player option for next season.
Jonathan Isaac’s injury also leaves head coach Steve Clifford with a problem as he is likely to miss the entire season after re-injuring his knee in the Orlando Bubble.
Moreover, the expiring contracts of D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams also mean that Markelle Fultz could use some more help at point guard.
Here is one player from each team in the Southeast that Orlando could target to address their weaknesses…
Eds. Note: The deals proposed here are for instances and examples of what it might take to acquire these players. They do not reflect any actual reporting or indication either team is interested in such a deal.