Given rumors and buzz, trade ideas from the most recent Orlanda magic…
In just three weeks, the NBA trade deadline of 2024 will take place, and daily rumors and reports are circulating.
Even though it’s common knowledge that the X team is considering a trade for player Y, very few reports clarify the specifics of such a deal.
Here are five such offers based on the most recent rumors, along with the reasons why each team would ultimately win the deal.
Orlando Magic Select Doug McDermott and Keldon Johnson to Address Their Shooting Issues in 1 OF 5
San Antonio, TX, January 13: On January 13, 2023, at the Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas, fans witnessed a high five between San Antonio Spurs players Keldon Johnson #3 and Doug McDermott #17 during their game against the Golden State Warriors. A WARNING TO USERS: The user has read and understood the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement, and by downloading and/or using this photo, the user has agreed to those terms. Notice of Mandatory Copyright: NBAE/Michael Gonzales photos via Getty Images, copyright 2023 NBAE
via Getty Images, images by Michael Gonzales/NBAE
The Scoop
“Along with Wendell Carter Jr., whose availability was disclosed here last week, Orlando is said to be exploring the trade market for guard Markelle Fultz, who is playing on a $17 million expiring contract,” according to Marc Stein of the NBA Trade.
F. Keldon Johnson and F. Doug McDermott to the Orlando Magic
Wendell Carter Jr., C, and Markelle Fultz, PG, are received by the San Antonio Spurs
The Reason
For a few months during the season, the Magic were among the top four seeds in the East; however, they have now been relegated to a play-in spot.
Shooters are desperately needed to surround Orlando’s core, as the team ranks just 29th overall in both three-point accuracy (34.2%) and made threes (10.8).
With a career deep-shot percentage of 46.5 percent this season, McDermott holds the record of 41.3 percent. While Johnson’s outside shooting percentage of 36.0 percent is lower than McDermott’s, he is still a capable sixth man who can start or rotate into the starting lineup. This season, Johnson is averaging 17.2 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 3.6 assists while also having a career shooting percentage of 36.0 percent from beyond the arc.
After signing Carter, a 24-year-old center who is participating in his sixth season, the Spurs should be thrilled to have a player of Carter’s caliber beside Victor Wembanyama.
Prior to Fultz’s summer free agent status, a San Antonio team in need of a point guard gets to see him as well.
