NBA Draft Rumors: Magic Trade Up to No. 3 with Blazers?
ORLANDO - With two picks in the top-11 of the NBA Draft, the Orlando Magic could make some moves.
Given the team's current roster construction, it makes sense for the Magic to consolidate the two picks into one and trade both to go and grab a higher pick, which could ultimately solidify Orlando's placement as a playoff contender.
Among the teams looking to trade ahead of the Magic in the NBA Draft is the Portland Trail Blazers, the holder of the No. 3 pick. Yahoo Sports believes that the Blazers could be open for a deal.
"The Blazers hold the hottest commodity," Yahoo Sports writes. Charlotte jumping to the second pick, up from the fourth-best odds, brings an interesting dilemma and what some league personnel consider a suboptimal fit between Henderson and incumbent All-Star guard LaMelo Ball. That could very well lead the Hornets to choose (Brandon) Miller instead, which could allow Portland to hold a bidding war for teams hoping to acquire Henderson's services."
Arguably the most compelling package among the teams looking to trade up comes from the Magic, which could offer the No. 6 and 11 (among other assets) to land the third pick.
"There are several teams picking below Portland (Houston Rockets at No. 4, Orlando Magic at No. 6, Washington Wizards at No. 8, Utah Jazz at No. 9) that should have interest in Henderson joining their backcourt," Bleacher Report writes.
The Magic currently employs Markelle Fultz as its starting point guard, and while he is coming off the best season of his career, Henderson provides a higher ceiling. His explosive ability could provide a strong complement to Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner as he facilitates the offense.
If the opportunity were to present itself, Orlando would have to make a difficult decision, but it should at least garner some consideration in the front office.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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