5. Orlando Magic
Why the Blazers make this trade
In this deal, the Trail Blazers move on from Meyers Leonard. He hasn’t fit in Portland and could benefit going to another team. Leonard has fallen out of the rotation in Portland and only sees the court in garbage time. He has $31 million left on his contract. Portland has draft picks to sweeten the deal to move on from Leonard.
Shelvin Mack is a 6’3″ guard who has been the NBA for seven years. This season he is averaging 4.3 points, 3.5 assists, 1.9 rebounds per game. He is guaranteed $6 million this season and his contract is not guaranteed for the 2018-2019 season. Mack could come in and play some minutes for the Blazers. He is another guard that can handle the ball and may come in handy for a playoff run. The Blazers wouldn’t have to bring Mack back and could save about $25 million altogether. This deal also gets the Blazers below the luxury tax.
Why the Magic make this trade
The Magic are currently dead last in the East with a record of 14-34. They have new management in Orlando, and they may be looking to change that team up.
Meyers Leonard was a previous lottery pick and may find better success with a rebuilding Magic team. He is a 7’1″ center that can space the floor with his shooting. Orlando isn’t going to be getting any big free agents and needs to get guys on the roster who have a few years left on their deals.
For taking a chance on Leonard and taking on his contract, the Magic get a 2018 first round pick. They are going to be in rebuild mode and will want to acquire all the young assets they can get. The pick gives them a chance to bring in a rookie on a cheap deal, or they could use the pick in trades.