Orlando Magic: 3 trade candidates before the deadline
By Luke Duffy
Another year, another quiet NBA trade deadline for the Orlando Magic, or so we think. In the past decade-plus, the organization has been cautious at the best of times, but especially so at this stage in the NBA’s calendar. The only move of note they have made in recent seasons being the shrewd addition of Markelle Fultz from the Philadelphia 76ers.
That’s not to say that the Magic are going to make no moves at all though. While most predict that the core group of their team is likely to remain in place until the end of this year and beyond, not every player is free from potential trade chatter. Unlike previous years though, injuries to many key guys muddy the waters on exactly how good this group can be when fully healthy.
Two-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic leads the group, and when both Fultz and Jonathan Isaac are back from long-term injuries, it will be interesting to see what this roster looks like. Certainly, the Magic seemed like a playoff outfit this season, and that was without Isaac. It seems bleak right now as the franchise head back to the lottery, but this time next year it may not be.
This is why deciding what players to move, if any, is a risky one. The front office has played it safe and strived for stability and continuity. They nearly had that this season, only for injuries to strike. Making personnel moves now when the makings of something is right there in front of them is not easily done. But if moves are to be made;
These are the most likely Orlando Magic players to be moved at the NBA trade deadline
Some of the names on this list might surprise you, but in the case of all three, some combination of their situation on the roster, as well as their current contract, likely plays into the decision. There is also no point in making moves for the sake of it, but some change around the Magic, albeit small ones, might not be the worst idea either.