NBA Trade Rumors: Magic Linked to Blazers Guards Before Deadline
The time is coming for a playoff run by the Orlando Magic. They last won a playoff series in 2010, and are poised to make the postseason this year, but if the regular season ended right now, the Magic would play the Milwaukee Bucks after the Play-In Tournament, which would be predicted to be a thrashing.
With a young core of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner supported by young role-players Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Wendell Carter Jr., and Markelle Fultz, the Magic could insulate their budding stars with a third talent, or add a veteran leader with playoff experience.
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No matter how Orlando approaches the Trade Deadline, they have a potential trade partner in the Portland Trail Blazers. According to Bleacher Report, the Magic could use distributing and shooting. Portland has both, and a deal could be swung.
In terms of a floor general, the Magic could target Malcolm Brogdon, who they have been linked to for some time. Brogdon is a veteran point guard who can pass the rock and penetrate and has no issue coming off the bench. He's been one of the most talked-about trade chips all season and is unlikely to finish the season in the Pacific Northwest.
An even more attractive player is Anferenee Simons. 24 years old, averaging 23.1 points on 39.1 percent shooting from three, Simons would not only give Orlando the best young core in the league but would make them one of the hottest darkhorse picks to make a deep playoff run as soon as this season.
For both players, Orlando would need to part with a draft pick(s) and a youngster. Anthony Black has seen his minutes decrease to only 15 per game since being a starter in Fultz's absence, and if Orlando goes all-in on Simons or Brogdon, Black would likely have to be included in a trade.
Both Brogdon and Simons are under contract at least until next season, so not only would adding them bolster Orlando's lineup now, but make them favorites to host a playoff series next year.
