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2023 Orlando Magic Trade Value Column: A future to plan for

By Philip Rossman-Reich

The Orlando Magic are a team on the rise with several franchise pillars in place heading into the trade deadline. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Orlando Magic are a team on the rise with several franchise pillars in place heading into the trade deadline. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Admiral Schofield, Orlando Magic
Admiral Schofield is returning to the Orlando Magic as the team values his veteran know-how in the two-way spot. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

2023 Orlando Magic Trade Value Column

Category I — Sure, you can have them

17. Admiral Schofield (Two-Way Contract)

Last Year: 16th

16. Kevon Harris (Two-Way Contract)

Let’s start this with the typical warning for the bottom of this list: Two-way players are ineligible for trades. Both Admiral Schofield and Kevon Harris get their write-ups here because they are on the roster and deserve mention.

But they deserve some credit and recognition. Because for the first time since the league added the two-way contract to the league’s rules, it feels like the Magic have gotten this right.

Every team comes with its own philosophy on how to use the two-way contract and the G-League affiliate. Honestly, every team is still figuring out the right way to make them valuable to the team. The Magic have taken to using Lakeland as a testing ground for some of their principles and as a good place to park players who need extra playing time or to rehab.

The two-way contracts have essentially been used as extra roster spots. They have given them to veteran G-League players who are clearly too good for the G-League but maybe not good enough to make their mark on the main roster.

That was at least part of the approach in keeping Admiral Schofield. He was a solid but unspectacular player for the Magic last year. He felt like a tweener who did not really fit anywhere.

This year, though, Schofield has found a better fit. He has improved his 3-point shooting and his versatility and commitment on defense made him a valuable player in several games earlier this season with all the injuries the Magic have faced.

Schofield has earned a better NBA look — probably a better one than Orlando can give him.

The real prize though is the second two-way player in Kevon Harris. This was a true find for the Magic and someone who has not only played well but made several impactful plays toward winning — just think of his play in the fourth quarter of the win over the Golden State Warriors at Amway Center.

It would not surprise me if the Magic’s plan is to try to open a roster spot at this deadline to convert Harris to a full contract. He has been that good.

Harris has solidified his NBA future somewhere.