The trade deadline is interesting for rebuilding teams.
The Orlando Magic are too far from playoff contention to be buyers, but find themselves with too many talented prospects to be complete sellers. It is a tough spot.
Sure, the team is likely to shop veterans Gary Harris (and his expiring contract) and Terrence Ross. The team could also look at Mo Bamba’s market as he prepares to enter restricted free agency. But with a ton of cap room for next year, the Magic have the ability to still be aggressive as they map out the next step of their rebuild.
With the deadline just more than a month away, rumors have begun to swirl, mostly with the Magic on the outside looking in. This year’s deadline will likely take place on the fringes for the Magic as they move to set the team up for their future.
In other words, do not expect the same fireworks as last year.
It is unlikely the Magic are going to be in the market for disgruntled Philadelphia 76ers star Ben Simmons or Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook or even Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal. And that is OK.
This deadline will likely be the exact opposite of last year’s, where the Magic found themselves at the center of multiple big moves.
The Orlando Magic are not likely to be big players at this year’s trade deadline. But the team should not sit by and should continue to look for ways to improve their roster.
However, both of the franchise’s veteran guards have found their names floated around the league.
Ross has been on a tear as of late, including a 33-point outburst versus the Boston Celtics. Many have stated that teams in playoff contention, like the Los Angeles Lakers or New York Knicks, will be vying for the sharp-shooters services.
Harris, along with his coveted expiring contract, could draw interest from teams looking to bolster their defense while staying financially flexible. Coming in as part of the deal with the Denver Nuggets last deadline, Harris has been serviceable for the Magic.
It is likely he or Ross will be moved to clear up time for younger guards in the rotation.
Even big man Bamba, who may be the odd man out in the Magic frontcourt, has also been mentioned as a target for other franchises.
As it stands now, the young core will remain intact and the team will be looking to gain future draft capital with these potential trade assets.
The goal for a rebuilding team is to gain draft picks and young players to develop and remain competitive. But ultimately they want to find themselves in a good spot in the NBA Draft Lottery with something to grow after that draft pick lands.
The Magic are also far enough away from contention to be able to trade for some supportive pieces and still not mess up this draft position.
There are several trades that could net the team a valuable asset, all while continuing on with the timeline. These may not move the needle right away, but they are the type of supporting moves that prove valuable once the young core begins to flourish.