Khem Birch can help Orlando Magic strike a better deal

Evan Fournier is another player whose future has been questioned a great deal in recent weeks.

Fournier’s contract expires at the end of this season so it would make sense for the Orlando Magic to try and extract some value from him before he enters free agency in the summer.

The Charlotte Hornets are said to be keen on strengthening their playoff hopes further before the deadline and Fournier is reportedly someone that is being looked at. Despite enduring a frustrating season disrupted by injury, when he has played on the court Fournier has been really good.

But rather than letting him walk for free in the offseason, the Magic could instead package him up with another expiring contract in Birch to get something back.

The Hornets look a solid bet for the playoffs anyway but the addition of Birch with Fournier boosts these chances further. Charlotte is an extremely fun team to watch with the number of creative, flair players on the team.

But adding someone that is all about hustle and brings some added power in the paint off the bench can help this Hornets team. Someone that is there to react to missed shots and win back possession to hand the ball back to one of Charlotte’s many offensive talents is what this team needs more of.

It might also persuade the Hornets to part with Devonte’ Graham. The young guard enters restricted free agency this offseason and is firmly behind LaMelo Ball and Terry Rozier in the rotation.

His inefficiency is alarming, shooting 35.8-percent from the floor this year, but he has plenty of time to improve that and has proven his ability to score in his three seasons with Charlotte. Orlando could try and keep him around past this season at a lower salary than Fournier while trying to develop him as a player.

Add in Cody Zeller’s expiring contract and a low second-round pick and the makings of a deal are there.