NBA Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic Targeting A Scorer

Dec 4, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) reacts after a play with forward Serge Ibaka (7) during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Magic win 98-92. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 5

Nov 30, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Allen Crabbe (23) looks on against the Indiana Pacersat Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 131- 109. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports /

Allen Crabbe

The Portland Trail Blazers matched the Brooklyn Nets’ offer sheet to Allen Crabbe for four years and $75 million. Like the Magic, things haven’t gone as planned for the Blazers.

While Crabbe is having a solid season, he lacks sufficient opportunities in Portland behind Damian Lillard, C.J. McCollum and Evan Turner.

The biggest area of weakness for the Blazers this season has been on the defensive end of the floor. Crabbe, a career 38.4 percent shooter from deep, in another situation may blossom into a legitimate offensive force.

At 22 years old, he also fits in with a youthful Magic team, while the Blazers would benefit from the interior defense of Serge Ibaka.

While more pieces would need to go into the deal, the framework for a mutually beneficial deal is in place. The Blazers aren’t a free agent destination and with the money they spent this summer, their options for improving the team would need to come via a trade.

Ibaka would also benefit from playing a reduced role offensively and focusing on the defensive end of the floor.

The Blazers also have assets like Noah Vonleh, Ed Davis and Mason Plumlee to help get a deal done. The Blazers valued Enes Kanter in the past, an offensive center with defensive flaws.

So if the Magic could unload Vucevic with Ibaka and get Crabbe and other big man prospects in return, it could be an enticing deal for them.

Home/Orlando Magic