Magic Trade Rumors: 'Fairly Near Future' for Deal?
The Orlando Magic has compiled a roster of college stars over the past few years, but haven't won much with them. Orlando's 32.5 win percentage over the last three seasons brings up the question "is it time to make a trade?"
The Magic is one of the few teams in the association that are yet to make a trade this offseason, despite their plethora of young talent. UPROXX's Robby Kalland believes the Magic front office has been too patient in the development of their young guards.
"The Magic have not made a trade this summer as they want a bit more time to evaluate their young talent before consolidating it," Kalland said.
While it's understandable that the Magic want to improve the NBA's fourth-youngest roster, they're also running out of time.
"[Player development] will have to happen in the fairly near future, as [point guard] Cole Anthony will be a free agent and [combo guard] Jalen Suggs will be extension eligible next summer," Kalland said. "But in the meantime, they’ll remain patient and see how this upcoming season pans out."
Both Anthony and Suggs came off the bench last season, but they were key factors to the Magic's success. Anthony averaged 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists, while Suggs logged 9.9 points and a solid 1.3 steals per game.
As it's currently uncertain if Anthony and Suggs will don the Magic uniform a couple of years down the line, Orlando's depth at the guard position is a little shaky without them.
If they were both gone, rookie Anthony Black and sophomore Caleb Houstan would be the only backups that remain. Houstan, who primarily played small forward last season, averaged 3.8 points on 36.3 percent shooting in 15.9 minutes per game. The Magic signed long-time Jazz small forward Joe Ingles this offseason, but he's also expected to play his primary position.
While the Magic have a ton of young talent at every position, they may need to make a trade in the near future due to expiring contracts. However, those trade offers won't be accepted on the other end if the Magic don't improve throughout next season.
You can follow Hunter De Siver on Twitter @HunterDeSiver.
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.
Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.
Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.
Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.
