National Basketball Association

Which Orlando Magic players could be traded this season?

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Feb 8, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) tries to control a loose ball going out of bounds in front of Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) and center Nikola Vucevic (9) during overtime at Philips Arena. The Magic defeated the Hawks 117-110 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

It is only a week until the NBA season tips off, but questions have swirled for months in regards to this Orlando Magic roster. But trade winds are never too far away.

As the season inches closer, the Orlando Magic are eyeing a playoff berth. With a strong frontcourt and youth development, there is a real chance the Magic could get into the postseason for the first time since 2012.

The team could be in the hunt near the trade deadline in February and might want to shake up the roster to put it over the top.

Or this season could fall apart. Maybe there is a freak injury or the offense cannot put the ball in the hoop consistently. Regardless of the reason, the Magic may need yet another roster shakeup.

The trade deadline is never too far away. And this Orlando roster has plenty of movable pieces that can bring a polished veteran in return or help the team hit reset once again.

The way the season plays out could dictate whether this team moves certain players. Obviously, the departure of Aaron Gordon or newly acquired Bismack Biyombo would be a major surprise. But what about Nikola Vucevic or Serge Ibaka? These players could get the Magic a very nice return on investment.

If that is the case, which players could this team move? Will it be a young building block like Mario Hezonja? Or a veteran in Jeff Green?

Where do the Magic’s assets stand as the season begins?

Oct 16, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon (00) drives to the basket against the Atlanta Hawks during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Untouchables

Aaron Gordon

There is no debate anymore.

The Orlando Magic view Aaron Gordon as the organization’s centerpiece and future. He may be a year or two away from superstardom, but expect Gordon to burst onto the scene this year.

He turned in a 17-point performance in the preseason finale Thursday and promised there was much more to come. This was far from his strongest performance. And this was on a still-healing sprained ankle.

This potential makes him untradable.

Bismack Biyombo

The Orlando Magic spent big-time money on Bismack Biyombo. The 24-year-old should be a part of the Magic organization for a lengthy amount of time.

The Magic will not shop Biyombo around in his first year in Orlando after signing him to a four-year deal. Head coach Frank Vogel loves a rim-protector at the five as well, leaving Biyombo’s job relatively safe.

Evan Fournier

Along with Biyombo, the Magic made a long-term commitment at shooting guard.

The team re-signed Evan Fournier to a five-year, $85-million contract. The Magic view Fournier as a franchise piece. And he played extremely well last season.

So far in the preseason he has had a good showing and looks to be safe for a long time.

Mario Hezonja

In his second year in the league, Mario Hezonja needs to take a big step. The Magic are going to need a spark coming off the bench.

Hezonja should provide that this season and is a very young player. Frankly, there is not a reason for the Magic to give up on him quite yet, despite suggestions to the contrary.

Oct 18, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Jeff Green (34) is pressured by Miami Heat forward James Johnson (16) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

Movable pieces

Nikola Vucevic

The Orlando Magic added a pair of big men this offseason in what many to consider to be a puzzling move. Vucevic has been a good player in Orlando and there were no signs of moving on from him.

Even though Vucevic has put up stellar offensive numbers so far in his career and is right on the cusp of top center consideration, Orlando made two major moves in the front court that leave his future in some doubt.

With that being said, Vucevic could have a ton of value for a team trying to find a major scoring punch. Vucevic may be one of Orlando’s best three players. But it is unclear if he fits in the team’s plans for the future.

All signs point to the Magic having to make a move to resolve this logjam sometime in the future. Although there seems no intention to do so right now. That can change.

If the Magic are to trade Vucevic, the Magic should get a solid return for him. It may not be a star that some may expect, but a few pieces that could build more depth and make the roster more balanced.

Jeff Green

It should not come as a surprise Jeff Green is on this list. He only signed a one-year deal with the Magic, and could be packaged in a trade this year.

It is true contracts like these are not worth as much as they used to be on the trade market, but a player of Green’s caliber could pique a team’s interest. Especially if he plays well for the Magic.

Green can do a whole lot on a basketball court. He can score from anywhere on the floor and is a respectable defender. He is not a game changer or a franchise guy, but is a great player to have coming off the bench. Green could just be defined with one word: solid.

Do not expect much if Green is moved, but do not be surprised if Green’s name is brought up at the deadline.

Serge Ibaka

This season would have to be a total disaster for the Magic to move Ibaka. But it is still in the realm of possibilty.

Ibaka is in a contract year. And, as he enters his prime, he is going to want to play for a contender or at least a team that is competitive.

If Orlando fails to show any promise, Ibaka may decide he needs to take his talents elsewhere to win. If this appears to be the case, Orlando could move him and get at least something in return.

Again, Ibaka could be in Orlando for seasons to come. But the team needs to make a solid improvement for that to be the case. And if they are not making that progress and feel they may lose Ibaka in free agency, a trade may become imminent.

Oct 16, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Elfrid Payton (4) shoots over Atlanta Hawks forward Mike Muscala (31) during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Elfrid Payton

Putting Elfrid Payton in this category is a tough decision. Giving him this full season to see if he can take a big step forward is probably the right move. But if Payton still has no remnants of an offensive game and the team flounders, the Magic may need to make a change.

The Orlando Magic could really use a guard that can score. Payton is not that type of player. With the way the roster is constructed, it is going to be a problem. This could force the Magic to move on from Payton and begin their search for another long-term answer at point guard.

C.J. Watson

Now, C.J. Watson is not a player who is going to get this team a good return. But he could be thrown into a deal to make the cap space work or to spice up a deal. Watson was hampered with injuries all of 2015 and it looks like the Magic are looking at other options.

Oct 20, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic guard Evan Fournier (10) reacts to making a 3 point shot against the New Orleans Pelicans during the fourth quarter of a basketball game at Amway Center. The game went into overtime tied at 105. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Final thoughts

Is it too early for trade talk? Absolutely not. The Orlando Magic have a roster that could send them in multiple directions once the trade market begins to heat up.

It is still a long way away from the trade deadline and talk about the playoff picture, but knowing which players the Magic could move is key. Every expert in America has Orlando pinned as a borderline playoff team. There are so many questions about this roster that a trade or two may solve.

Orlando boasts young talented players that the team may send packing for a more polished player. A move much like the draft night trade of Victor Oladipo and Serge Ibaka. There are also veterans on the Magic that could be shipped to contenders for picks or a prospect.

If the team is struggling to win games with all of these new moves, the team could decided to pack it in yet again and play for the lottery. On the other hand, the Magic could be successful and boast a top defense that leads them to the postseason.

Either way, the Magic’s roster will allow them to make moves depending on how their season is playing out. With a contingent of players that should have some value come the trade deadline in February, Orlando should be busy on the phones as the season begins to roll on.