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2021 NBA Trade Deadline: 3 teams who will be sellers

By Jake Weinbach

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings reacts with teammates during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on January 27, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - JANUARY 27: De'Aaron Fox #5 of the Sacramento Kings reacts with teammates during the fourth quarter against the Orlando Magic at Amway Center on January 27, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. 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. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /
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Orlando Magic
NBA trade deadline Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images /

Seller at the NBA trade deadline: Orlando Magic

Following back-to-back years of postseason appearances, the Orlando Magic should be headed back to becoming sellers on the market before the trade deadline.

They’re currently 13th in the Eastern Conference with a poor record of 13-20, but have been unlucky all season with the season-ending injuries to Markelle Fultz and Jonathan Isaac, and are without Aaron Gordon due to injury for the time being.

The Magic are not completely out of the running for a play-in tournament spot, but it’s unlikely given the circumstances. At this point, the organization should be looking to gain future assets to strengthen their young supporting cast by offloading short-term assets that could be more beneficial to other teams.

Evan Fournier has had a great span playing for Orlando and is currently having a terrific season, but since he’s on an expiring contract and will be an upcoming free agent this offseason, it would make sense for the Magic to dangle him in trade talks. Trading Fournier in exchange for a younger asset before the deadline would be most beneficial for the organization long-term.

The situation with Mo Bamba is fairly similar. Bamba, the No. 6 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, will be a restricted free agent this offseason. If Orlando isn’t prepared to match any high offer sheets that he’s expected to get, they might as well trade him now instead of losing him for nothing later on.

Terrence Ross is a player that should be receiving plenty of interest from around the league, and if the right offer comes into play, the Magic could part ways with the energetic, two-way wing. Ross has reportedly been involved in trade talks, and he would be worth at least a first-round pick. The Boston Celtics are a team that could be interested in the microwave scorer, and James Ennis III could be another potential player on the move.

Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon are unlikely to be dealt anytime soon, but they’re not untouchable. Vucevic has identified himself as one of the most underrated big men in the league and the face of the franchise while recently being named to his second All-Star Game appearance, so a trade for him would have to return a massive haul. The Magic don’t seem interested in parting ways with him now, along with Gordon, but things may change further down the road heading into next season.

General manager John Hammond and the front office will have many important decisions to make as the trade deadline approaches, but the expectation is that the Magic will become sellers.