3 Orlando Magic players most likely to be traded at the deadline

The Orlando Magic are a shell of their former selves, especially after a promising hot start. While injuries have played a major part in the Magic’s disappointing season, one cannot help but feel like the current roster’s days are coming to a close.

Aaron Gordon was reported to have requested a trade which does not necessarily mean that the Magic need to trade him but sure points to a deal coming one way or another. It more so means the chances of him being on the team after Mar. 25 have lessened dramatically.

The Houston Rockets are among the teams that are reportedly discussing a trade package including at least two first-round picks. Other teams like the Minnesota Timberwolves, who have been linked to Gordon for some time now, have been regularly connected to the Magic forward.

Whether or not the Magic decide to pull the trigger remains to be seen but it is essential that in whatever trade they make, they get a suitable return.

Although the Magic broke their nine-game losing streak with a win against the Brooklyn Nets, they were unable to capitalize on any momentum with a loss to the Boston Celtics.

The Orlando Magic’s season has gone completely off the rails and everyone senses a breakup. The team is and should be shopping several key players with their eyes now firmly on the future.

Since the start of the season, the Magic have not won more than four games in a row. That in itself is telling of the Magic’s struggles with consistency.

Even though Nikola Vucevic has put up career numbers, without help from Evan Fournier and Aaron Gordon, the team has been unable to get the ball rolling.

While there have been a few bright spots, including promising plays from first-year forward Chuma Okeke and Mohamed Bamba (despite Steve Clifford’s confusing reluctance to play the former lottery pick), a break-up seems imminent.

Sure, one could say we still have not seen the full team playing together due to the injuries of Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz. But complacency may become the Magic’s worst enemy.

Building around Vucevic, Bamba, Isaac and Fultz could be the Magic’s best chance of getting back to at least a .500 team. Especially with the emergence of teams like the New York Knicks, the Orlando Magic will have more competition in the East.

Making net positive trades while teams are calling will be in the Magic’s best interest.

Now, who the Magic will trade is the question. Should the Magic hold onto Gordon and perhaps look for something in the offseason? Have the Magic soured on the idea of Bamba? Or do the Magic decide to run it back?

Regardless of what the front office decides to do, do not discredit the amount of work and effort that all the players contributed. Through COVID-19, injuries and trade rumors, the Magic have unquestionably shown their character and commitment to the game.