Who the Orlando Magic could target for a trade in the Pacific Division

Phoenix Suns: Kelly Oubre Jr.

Kelly Oubre Jr. was having an exceptional season for the Phoenix Suns before suffering a season-ending torn meniscus injury in February.

The small forward was averaging 18.7 points per game off 45.2-percent shooting, while knocking down 35.2-percent of his threes in his best year to date.

Phoenix will probably be reluctant to lose the 24-year-old given his recent performances but his contract situation gives the front office a dilemma. Just one year remains on his current deal before he becomes an unrestricted free agent in 2021.

The Suns surprised many people in the Orlando Bubble, putting together an impressive run of results without Kelly Oubre thanks to some huge performances from the likes of Devin Booker.

Next season is a big one for Phoenix. They have a good core of young talent and must start making it back into the postseason soon. Their clock on Booker is starting to tick.

But Oubre has not committed his future to the franchise and will demand a lot of money in free agency. They could look to capitalize on his high trade value in order to improve the team’s chances of making the playoffs.

Oubre has strong defensive abilities but the team overall has been held back by their poor performances on that end of the court. They ranked 22nd for points given up in the paint per game with 49.8 and ranked just 21st for defensive rebounds at 33.8 per game.

Any team that trades for Oubre, despite the possibility they will only get him for a season, would have to give up a lot. Aaron Gordon is a defensive player who could help improve the Suns but it would mean the Magic are giving up talented players who are committed to being a part of the team’s future. Adding a veteran in Khem Birch would help bolster their lineup too.

The Magic and Suns reportedly discussed a deal involving Gordon and Oubre before the trade deadline. It seems likely the teams will revisit this in the offseason. Oubre would provide the shooting and versatility that Gordon lacks while Gordon provides the defensive versatility the Suns need.

This would be a win next season type of move that would see the front office give up some important players. With Jonathan Isaac’s injury, Orlando will not be at full strength next year and it is possible that the front office would rather wait to make a big move of this kind.