NBA Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic Targeting A Scorer

Danilo Gallinari

This could be a tougher deal to work out for the Magic, as Denver would likely want Aaron Gordon in return. But if the Magic want to keep Ibaka and win now, it could be a move they pursue.

Danilo Gallinari would give the Magic a 6-foot-10 shooter that can play both forward positions, similar to what Vogel had in Indiana with Paul George. Unlike Gordon, Gallinari has proven himself as a knockdown shooter and fits at the small forward position.

If the team tries to acquire Gallinari without Gordon, then things get difficult. The Nuggets have a surplus of centers, which takes Vucevic out of the equation. They also have the bulk of their prospects at the guard position with Jamal Murray, Gary Harris and Emmanuel Mudiay.

While Gallinari is a realistic target and could help the Magic be a playoff team this season, giving up Gordon would be tough. The reason I include him as an option is that this feels like a very Magic deal to make. With the exception of Vogel, most jobs seem to be on the line in Orlando.

Failure to make the playoffs this season would be met with consequences and if that means moving on from the team’s most promising long-term prospect to do it, that may be the direction they take.

While Gordon has a tremendous amount of promise, there seems to be little chance he blossoms into a true lead option on a contender. It’s possible that doubts regarding the heights of his ceiling, combined with a slow start this season, may be enough to push him out the door.