Mar 22, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz guard Trey Burke (3) defends against Orlando Magic guard Arron Afflalo (4) during the second half at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz won 89-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
NBA trade rumors are heating up and the Orlando Magic might just be involved in a doozy.
According to Chad Ford of ESPN, the Magic are offering Arron Afflalo, as well as the 4th and 12th overall picks, for either the 1st or 2nd overall selection in Thursday’s draft.
"“The Magic have also been trying to both move up and get another lottery pick. They’ve offered Nos. 4 and 12 and Afflalo to the Cavs and Bucks, but so far, no takers. They’ve also used Afflalo as bait to get a pick from the Kings at No. 8 and the Nuggets at 11, but so far, no deal.The Magic also are taking a long look at Embiid. They know they need an athletic rim protector. Nikola Vucevic has been great, but he doesn’t provide the defense they seek in the middle. But there is concern in Orlando that Embiid’s timetable won’t work with what they are trying to build. If he misses the season and then essentially has his rookie year in 2015-16, they can’t really expect him to start helping until 2016 at the earliest. The Magic have already had two brutal years of rebuilding. Two more sounds gut wrenching.The Magic are also very keen on Exum, and I’m told they would likely select him if he’s on the board. If he’s gone and Embiid seems like too much of a risk, then it comes down to Vonleh and Marcus Smart to the Magic.”"
My gut reaction to this rumour: I hate it.
I don’t see this is as a favourable move for the Magic. The draft is so deep that the Magic can get an impactful player with both the 4th and 12th picks and in addition, they are trading away their best player. Also, trading up to the 1st or 2nd pick is a major risk as you are essentially giving up three quality players to take the chance that Wiggins, Parker or Exum are going to be superstars.
Furthermore, if Orlando wants to deal Afflalo, they should use him in a separate trade, as Ford suggests with either the Kings or the Nuggets.
As I wrote recently, the Magic must also avoid drafting Embiid. In this year’s draft class, the Magic can’t afford to get it wrong and there’s numerous injury risks attached to the Kansas standout.
It’s good to see that the Magic are being active as the draft looms but at the same time, executing this trade would be very risky. For now at least, as Ford says, neither the Cavs or Bucks have budged.