Blueprint For Rebuilding The Orlando Magic
By Simon Smith
The Blockbuster Deal
Orlando Receives: Paul George
Indiana Receives: Evan Fournier, Aaron Gordon, 2018 First round Pick
You have to give something to get something, and it certainly applies in this instance.
Fournier has a number of qualities that’d attract other teams. He is just 24 and is improving each year in the league. He has a very friendly contract at $17 million per year, which runs through the end of the 2020-21 season. Currently, he’s averaging 16.8 points, 3.4 assists, 3.4 rebounds and 1.0 steals per game.
Meanwhile, Gordon is one of the more intriguing young talents in the league. Now in his third season, Gordon has shown glimpses of combining his skill level with his extraordinary athleticism. Gordon is currently averaging 11.2 points and 4.6 rebounds per game. Playing at both the 3- and 4-spots this year, he is launching a career high 3.4 three-point attempts per game.
The following clip from Jan. 11 this season demonstrates Gordon’s full repertoire of skills.
By also throwing in a 2018 first round pick, the Magic can make a very compelling case for the Pacers.
In acquiring George, the Magic will be adding their first legitimate superstar since Dwight Howard. Since Howard’s departure in 2012, the Magic have posted a 124-262 record. Fournier and Gordon could potentially become stars in the league. George has already demonstrated what he’s capable of, and he still has room to grow.