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Orlando Magic: Pros and cons of trading for Dennis Smith Jr.

By Luke Duffy

DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 10: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on from court side during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 10, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - DECEMBER 10: Dennis Smith Jr. #1 of the Dallas Mavericks looks on from court side during the game against the Orlando Magic on December 10, 2018 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Glenn James/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Dennis Smith Jr
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Con: Future financial implications

While getting Dennis Smith Jr. would be great for the short term, a problem that is already easy to spot would be what to do with him once his rookie contract is up. There is only so much money to go around, and Gordon was already paid last offseason.

It is unclear if Vucevic will play for the Magic after this season, but it would not be surprising to see an offer made to him. He may be blocking Bamba’s path to starting, but All-Star level players don’t flock to Orlando often. If he’s willing to stay then it is worth seeing what that would cost.

After that, both Smith and Isaac would see their rookie deals end two years from them. The Magic would be able to have first choice on locking down both, but with Bamba due for an extension the year after that, where is all of the money going to come from?

Doesn’t fellow All-Star nominee Khem Birch not deserve some of this action too?

https://twitter.com/NBAonTNT/status/1088598839232065536

The point is, while it is all well and good trying to acquire Smith today, it may not make sense financially at a later date. The Magic can still be a destination for second-tier free agents if their core can grow into a playoff outfit, but they will need the funds to go out and get them.

Committing their money to a host of young players that could have a ceiling together is not a smart move, and a degree of flexibility needs to be kept. This should be considered when trading for a guy like Smith.

That rookie deal he is on looks good now, but could be a headache when it is time to renew it.

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