Orlando Magic: 5 things that need to happen in February
By Luke Duffy
1. Make a trade
This team is going to be overhauled again this summer, we’re just not sure how drastically yet. The front office of Jeff Weltman and John Hammond is hoping to shape the team more in their vision.
Nikola Vucevic‘s days with the team look to be over; it’s just unfortunate that he broke a bone in his hand a month back, otherwise he may be gone already.
Regardless, there are still moves the team can make to be more prepared for next season and to get a head start on being more competitive then.
Jonathon Simmons is somebody who plays with great determination and Magic fans have really embraced his style of play this season. He just hasn’t always been very good when on the court. Moving him to a contender for a first round pick if possible, or another prospect to add to their collection, would make sense.
Listen to the latest episode of the @OrlandoMagic Pod Squad featuring GM John Hammond who had this to say about the Magic approaching the trade deadline “Anything we do is probably going to be a move to help our team in the long term, not the short term” https://t.co/bk7QVTNvfB
— Orlando Magic UK (@OrlandoMagicUK) January 25, 2018
A team like the Oklahoma City Thunder or Cleveland Cavaliers could do wonders with Simmons in their lineup.
The Magic are in no rush to move these guys, but if the right offer comes in then nobody really should be off the table. The Detroit Pistons would have been another interesting trade partner, but they appear to have made their big move in acquiring Blake Griffin.
There is still a market for players like Evan Fournier and Terrence Ross (when healthy), it is just about finding out what exactly that is.
Next: 2017-18 Week 16 NBA Power Rankings
A shakeup is exactly what the Orlando Magic need though, as they continue to float aimlessly into the summer. Again.