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

In the last of our series of articles looking at possible trade targets for the Orlando Magic this offseason, we discuss the Southwest Division.

So far we have picked out one possible Orlando Magic trade target from each team in the Atlantic, Central, Southeast, Northwest and Pacific Divisions that could help address some of the team’s weaknesses.

Last season saw the Magic make it to the playoffs for a second year running but once again it ended in a first-round exit, this time at the hands of the Milwaukee Bucks.

The team was good enough defensively, ranking tied for tenth in the league for defensive rating by giving up 109.2 points per 100 possessions despite two serious injuries to defensive maestro Jonathan Isaac.

But offensively there were again big causes for concern. Steve Clifford’s team ranked just 23rd in offensive rating, scoring 107.9 points per 100 possessions. Their shooting was a big reason for the offensive struggles, ranking 25th in 3-point field goal percentage at 34.3 percent and 22nd in 3-point shots made per game at 11.1.

The front office must address these offensive and shooting problems if the team is to move forward.

Key decisions must be made to determine which direction the team will go in. The likes of Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon are on good contracts and could be used as potential trade pieces. While Evan Fournier’s future is still unclear as he ponders over his player option for next year.

Jonathan Isaac’s injury leaves the Magic short at small forward and strengthening in the wing positions with better shooting, regardless of whether Fournier stays, is something that should be prioritized.

Point guard is also an area Orlando may need to look at given the expiring contracts of D.J. Augustin and Michael Carter-Williams.

Here is one player from each team in the Southwest that could help the Magic 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.