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Orlando Magic: Pass or pursue on 3 NBA trade deadline rumors

By Luke Duffy

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 31: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball as Stanley Johnson #5 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first quarter at Amalie Arena on January 31, 2021 in Tampa, 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)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 31: Aaron Gordon #00 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball as Stanley Johnson #5 of the Toronto Raptors defends during the first quarter at Amalie Arena on January 31, 2021 in Tampa, 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
Orlando Magic, NBA trade deadline (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images) /

Evan Fournier to the New York Knicks?

This is a potential deal that has only picked up traction recently, but it makes a lot of sense for both teams. From the Magic’s perspective, they get off making the decision about Fournier in the offseason. As frustrating as he can be on the court, there is also no escaping that nobody can create something offensively and bail out a bad possession on the roster like Fournier can.

This has been evident when he has been out injured, but having already signed him to a long deal once before, doing so again really would just be bringing back most of what is already in place for another run. It feels like we’ve seen that movie before, even if it did have a couple of nice moments. Trading Fournier takes that decision away from the organization.

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It also forces them to go in a different direction, which is what they’re going for anyway by making Fournier and Gordon available. From the perspective of the Knicks, this has been a season that nobody saw coming. They will make the playoffs, and have done so thanks to some stellar play from first time All-Star Julius Randle.

Something good is clearly happening in The Big Apple, and adding Fournier for a postseason push as a rental wouldn’t be the worst idea. He would diversify their offensive game and give the Knicks a different kind of creative wing/guard to run plays. If it worked really well they could re-sign him, or else use this time to show other free agents the Knicks are back and let Fournier walk.

As long as the Magic are realistic about the return on offer here, this is a deal they should definitely look into. The Knicks have drafted pretty well recently (words we never thought we’d see written anywhere), and in some ways have a surplus of young talent right now. What the Magic could also do with is some more guard depth, as a result of some terrible injury luck.

To that end Frank Ntilikina could be available, Dennis Smith Jr. surely is although it is not clear why the Magic would want him. Obi Toppin (12 minutes a night) and Kevin Knox (14 minutes) should at least be enquired about. Maybe even Austin Rivers, to bring him back to the state where he made his name. The Magic want to get younger and build, and the Knicks may be willing to let some guys go.

The Verdict: Pursue

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