Guide to the NBA trade deadline: Magic
The Vertical Front-Office Insider Bobby Marks, a 20-year executive with the Nets, breaks down the Orlando Magic’s situation as the Feb. 18 trade deadline approaches.
HANG UP IF THEY ASK ABOUT …
Mario Hezonja, Victor Oladipo, Elfrid Payton and Aaron Gordon
All four players are still on their rookie contracts and each brings a different type of value on the court.
The 20-year-old Hezonja, when given consistent minutes, has proven to be one of the better shooters in the league. With great size for a shooting guard, Hezonja is a nice piece going forward.
Victor Oladipo, 23, has bounced in and out of the starting lineup all year. Although his production has dropped a bit from his sophomore year, Oladipo has great versatility and can play multiple positions. He will be eligible for a rookie extension this summer.
There is too much potential in Payton to push him aside and look to dangle him in a deal. Like most players early in their careers, Payton has had his good moments but also moments that lead you to scratch your head. However, when you factor in a starting point guard still on his rookie contract with salaries set to skyrocket, the Magic should hold onto him.
Gordon might have the most upside of any player in the NBA. Still a work in progress, the 20-year-old has a big enough body of work to prove he is a keeper. Gordon’s athleticism and ability to guard multiple positions are huge values.
UP FOR DEBATE
The rest of the roster
Orlando should explore but only if the price is right.
All three of Orlando’s higher-priced players – Tobias Harris, Nikola Vucevic and Channing Frye – have different qualities that intrigue teams.
Vucevic, 25, although limited defensively, is a double-double threat with a value contract. Signed thru 2018-19, Vucevic’s $11.2 million cap hit is below market, especially with a rising cap.
Harris’ production has dropped a bit from the last two years. However, teams prioritize young wings, so moving Harris, 23, just for the sake of it wouldn’t be wise. Although Harris has been in the league for five seasons he still has plenty of upside.
Out of the group, Frye should be the player Orlando should explore to move in a deal. Saddled with a contract thru 2017-18, the 32-year-old has been inconsistent since signing with the Magic in 2014. Given the lack of stretch power forward’s on the market, Frye still has value around the league.
The question is: Can the Magic get equal value back? If the answer is no, then you hold onto each player and regroup in the off-season.
NO-TRADE CLAUSE OR WITH A RESTRICTION
None
MOVE THAT PUSHES THE NEEDLE
Orlando can contend for a playoff spot.
Although a January swoon knocked Orlando out of the top eight in the East, the Magic finished strong heading into the All-Star Break, winning two of three.
Even without a deal, Orlando can still make the playoffs with this group.
TREASURE CHEST OF PICKS
Solid
Orlando has its own first-round pick, projected to be in the late lottery
It also owns its future first-round picks.
The Lakers’ first-round pick to Philadelphia this year will determine when the Magic will receive a first from Los Angeles. If Los Angeles falls outside the top three this year, then the Magic will receive a protected top-five pick in 2018. If the Lakers retain the pick in 2018, then it will become unprotected in 2019.
If the Lakers keep their first-rounder this year and Philadelphia receives it in 2017, then Orlando will receive a 2019 unprotected first from Los Angeles. The pick will turn into a pair of second-round selections in 2017 and ’18 if not conveyed.
AVAILABLE TRADE EXCEPTIONS
The Magic have a small trade exception valued at $754,000.
POST-TRADE DEADLINE ROSTER MOVEMENT
Orlando is one of a few teams with an available roster spot.
The health of backup point guard C.J. Watson will dictate what direction the Magic go with their open spot. Watson has only played in eight games this season because of a calf injury.
SNEAK PEEK TOWARD JULY
Although the Magic only have $60 million in guaranteed contracts this summer, available cap space will depend on restricted free agents Andrew Nicholson, Evan Fournier and rotational big Jason Smith. The three players comprise $17 million in cap holds. Until a decision is made on each free agent, the Magic will only have $9 million in room. The room does factor in a projected lottery pick.
INSIDER INFO
Orlando has the fifth-youngest roster in the NBA. The Magic trail Utah, Milwaukee, Philadelphia and Portland.
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