The Orlando Magic have started off the season 14-18, well outside the Eastern Conference playoff picture. They have certainly shown improvements from previous years so all isn’t so bad. However, the Magic should be added to the list of several teams likely to make a move before the trade deadline is upon us come February 23rd. According to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst, Orlando is looking to trade center Nikola Vucevic and are also reportedly “down” on young floor general Elfrid Payton.
Both Payton and Vucevic have been key cogs in the Magic starting lineup over the past couple years but both have seen their roles diminish during the beginning parts of this season.
Though Vucevic is still producing excellent numbers and is even averaging a double-double, putting up 12.8 points per game while grabbing 10.6 rebounds, he’s primarily come off the bench in recent weeks. Even as a reserve, Vucevic is averaging more minutes per game than starter Bismack Biyombo who was just inked to a deal this previous summer. Throughout his tenure with Orlando, the USC product has provided consistent scoring from the post and elite rebounding numbers. However, the acquisition of Serge Ibaka this previous offseason and the inability of Aaron Gordon to play at the small forward position has resulted in quite the crowded frontcourt. That being said, Vucevic may end up being the odd one out.
Elfrid Payton is in a different situation than his fellow teammate. Payton was also starting for Orlando not only for the last couple years, but he was expected to be the incumbent starter at point guard for years to come. Recently, he has took over the role as backup to DJ Augustin. Payton’s game hasn’t evolved as much as the Magic would’ve liked as he still struggles immensely to consistently hit jumpers. However, being only 22, Payton’s ceiling is still high as he has shown off impressive distributing and rebounding abilities from the guard spot in his short career and could yield valuable assets in return if the Magic were to pull the trigger on a trade.
Orlando does have a talented roster, but they just haven’t found a way to fully mesh yet. The availability of Payton and Vucevic shouldn’t come as much of a surprise as it seems they already have their starting point guard in veteran DJ Augustin and a packed frontcourt may be responsible for the departure of Vucevic. If either of these two were to be dealt, you’d have to think the organization would be looking for a talented swingman in return to pair with Evan Fournier. Aaron Gordon not being able to put up good numbers from the three spot has hurt what was once a hopeful season for Orlando, as they sorely lack outside scoring from the wing spot. Look for the Magic to be quite active ahead of this year’s trade deadline as they try to claw their way into the crowded playoff picture in the East.
