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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 Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /

Aaron Gordon to the Boston Celtics?

Let’s not overcomplicate things here. If the offer of two first-round picks, as well as Marcus Smart, is on the table, you take it. Two firsts are as much as the Magic are going to get for Gordon, and they must clearly know that because it is rumored to be what the Rockets are willing to part with if Oladipo didn’t end up going back to Florida.

These wouldn’t be lottery picks coming from the Celtics, but when you look at what is already in place, they could be hugely helpful. The current front office has drafted Jonathan Isaac and Mohamed Bamba (both lottery), Cole Anthony (15th) and even took Wesley Iwundu in the second round. As a whole, that is not dreadful drafting.

There is a potential top 5 pick coming after this season too, and when you add that to Fultz, Isaac, Anthony, Bamba and Chuma Okeke, you are in a good place moving forward. Two more firsts over the next few years would be brilliant to add to that, especially if Bamba runs out of chances and is moved on, or injuries continue to hamper the development of Isaac.

Smart would be the cherry on top, even if he doesn’t quite fit the timeline here. He is a player the Orlando Magic should have drafted when they had the chance, can you imagine his defensive presence and ability if it was harnessed by head coach Steve Clifford? Alongside Isaac and Fultz, it would be over for lots of teams.

At 27 though, Smart would want to win, and soon. If it didn’t work out though, he is the kind of player that plenty of organizations would love to have, and so would be moved easily. He’d be so sought after in fact, that it is kind of hard to see the Celtics parting with him in this potential deal.

They have a number of young players who may not have performed as well as some of those guys who play for the Knicks, but who are worth taking a flier on. Really what is most important is that two first-round picks are secured. Smart would enhance the culture and defensive reputation, whereas some young players could raise the ceiling. Either way, it’s not going to get any better.

The Verdict: Pursue

Next. Trade Deadline: 10 trades to shake up the season. dark

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