5. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic have had no problem shipping off young players they lost faith in, with Victor Oladipo and Tobias Harris being the recent glaring examples. Elfrid Payton and Nikola Vucevic have already been rumored to be on the trade block, so as much as it would hurt to lose Aaron Gordon, would the front office make the gamble to nab Butler and make a push for the playoffs?
There was once a time where all three players were seen as cornerstones for a rebuilding Magic franchise, but the front office’s moves show that the priority is really getting back to the postseason. Even with three quality players out the door, Butler would help Orlando there.
Payton is a solid passer and hardworking defender, but he still can’t shoot. Vucevic is a useful bench scorer and rebounder, but he’s a miserable interior defender. Gordon is athletic and the closest thing Orlando has to a franchise player now, but he is being played out of position at the 3 in a crowded frontcourt, limiting his ceiling.
That’d be quite a ransom for Butler, but with so many talented players included, hopefully the Magic could get away with not including a future first round draft pick.
For the Bulls, they’d get their starting point guard for the future in Payton, though they’d have to hope he develops a reliable perimeter jumper. Gordon could take over the starting 4-spot and finally play his true position, while Vucevic could continue providing his scoring punch off the bench.
All three players are 26 years or younger, helping the Bulls jumpstart a much-needed rebuild. The Magic, meanwhile, would get Butler and backup point guard Jerian Grant to help the 16-22 Magic close the three-game gap between themselves and a playoff spot.
That being said, this is a lot of young talent for the Magic to ship away, and even for an Orlando front office that’s become notorious for shortsighted blunders, this would be HUGE gamble. Plus, if the Bulls weren’t completely enamored with some of these young prospects who have failed to truly burst onto the scene, this might not be enough compensation without a draft pick included.