3 types of players the Orlando Magic should target approaching trade deadline
By Jacob Warfle
3 player types for the Orlando Magic to target
Versatile, veteran forward: Kyle Anderson
Before Franz Wagner burst onto the scene this season, the Orlando Magic were in desperate need of a forward with some playmaking ability. It looks like Wagner is the answer to all of these problems, but you can never have enough versatility.
A move like this would address one of the other glaring holes on the Magic roster — veteran presence.
The Magic are one of the youngest teams in the NBA. In a league where experience wins, there are nights where this really hurts the team.
A move for Kyle Anderson, or a player like him, could begin to add some structure to the roster. Especially if the plan is to shop and eventually move both Gary Harris and Terrence Ross. Orlando needs to replace some of that veteran presence before the start of next season.
Anderson, best known for his methodical offensive game and the nickname that spawned in “Slo-Mo”, has been providing this type support for the Memphis Grizzlies since 2018, and in San Antonio for four years before that.
Only in his eighth year, Anderson is still relatively young as far as veterans go, but he competes every night, plays defense, and does not try to do too much on offense. The Grizzlies have such a deep roster that they would be willing to part ways with Anderson if the deal was right.
Anderson is averaging 8.1 points per game and grabbing 5.3 rebounds per game. He is shooting a 48.1-percent effective field goal percentage, his worst since 2017.
Anderson would become a free agent this offseason, which would likely not make him as attractive of a trade option for the team’s long-term prospects.
For Orlando, Anderson could take some of the playmaking burden off of the young guards and provide just the right amount of experience the Magic need.