Our series of looking at who the Orlando Magic could target for a trade in each division continues with the Northwest Division.
So far we have selected one player from each team in the Atlantic, Central and Southeast Divisions that might help improve the Orlando Magic. We now move on to the divisions that make up the Western Conference.
It is uncertain what Orlando will do this offseason. The franchise must decide whether they want to shake things up and trade away key players like Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon to try and push past the first round of the playoffs or instead make few changes and target internal improvement.
What is clear though is the team needs to shoot better if improvements are to be made. It was another season of frustration on offense with the team ranking just 23rd for offensive rating, scoring 107.9 points per 100 possessions.
They were also 25th in 3-point percentage at 34.3 percent and 22nd in 3-point shots made per game at 11.1. The roster has a real lack of strong shooters which is holding the team back from progressing further in the East.
If the front office is to look to the trade market this offseason — and without much cap room, they probably must if they are looking to make any changes — then the lack of offensive talent and strong shooters is something that must be addressed. Despite Evan Fournier’s good performance in the regular season, he once again struggled in the playoffs and his future with the team remains unclear.
Strengthening at the wing positions is important if the team wants to move forward, particularly with the injury to starting small forward Jonathan Isaac which looks set to keep him out for all of next season.
Orlando could also use some depth at point guard to help out Markelle Fultz, depending on whether D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams re-sign with the team.
Here is who the Magic could look to target in the Northwest Division to try and improve next season.
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.