3 potential Orlando Magic trade candidates

1. D.J. Augustin

D.J. Augustin may seem like an odd choice to top the list, but of all the players on the Orlando Magic’s roster, he was the one who was linked with other organizations first. This is tricky though, because his value is likely highest where he is, so any potential deal wouldn’t really benefit the Orlando Magic.

Augustin had a career year last year, but has regressed some so far this season. Nevertheless, he is an excellent mentor for Markelle Fultz and has taken being moved to the bench without any hint of unrest to the media. At 32, though, his most productive days are behind him. Really his best bet of helping is off the bench in spot minutes for a playoff team hoping to make a deep run.

Augustin has also been a good player at essentially every stop in his career to date. In the last decade, he has appeared in the playoffs for the Indiana Pacers and Chicago Bulls and is a 37.6 percent shooter from deep in the postseason. While with the Oklahoma City Thunder, he was a solid backup for Russell Westbrook.

He has had his time as a starter on a playoff team and hit a game-winner in the postseason to add to his legacy. This was something that had not looked likely before Augustin landed in Orlando, when he was seen more as a journeyman. He did find a home and a fan base that loved him.

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Now would be a good time for player and team to go in different directions. Augustin is never going to win a championship in Orlando and is coming to the end of his career. Fultz is also the clear starter now and they could explore different backup options for him.

Carter-Williams could be this player for his defensive ability, although his length has seen him slide into various roles on the court and he is not a brilliant creator.

The main sticking point is what they’d get in return. Teams like the Los Angeles Lakers, who have reportedly shown the most interest in Augustin, don’t have a lot they can give in return, even given where the Magic currently are in their own development. A second-rounder might be offered, or an expiring deal, but that doesn’t move the needle.

For now though Augustin remains the most likely player to be moved, because he would not cost a lot, has tons of experience and can lead a second unit. Even defensively, despite being limited because of his size, the Magic have a defensive rating of 101.8 when he is on the court.

For elite defensive teams, of which the Magic sometimes is, he would not be a negative on that end either. Augustin is there for the taking, if the price is right.