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Orlando Magic summer primer: Who may be available to Magic in uncertain offseason

May 23, 2011|By Zach McCann, Orlando Sentinel

If Otis Smith has proven one thing in his time as the Orlando Magic's general manager, it's that he's not afraid to shake things up. Three blockbuster deals in the past two years make that clear.

That's why you know the Magic, after a disappointing end to the 2010-11 season and with Dwight Howard potentially entering the final year of his contract, won't hesitate to upgrade their roster if the right deal arises this summer.

With the playoffs still in full swing serious trade talks haven't yet begun (be assured that the phones are buzzing, though), but it's never too early to talk about what players might be available to the Magic this summer on the trading block.

Now, this isn't to say the Magic will necessarily have the desire or enough to acquire these players. The Magic don't have many valuable trade assets, and they're burdened with a couple of large contracts that limit their roster flexibility. Plus, the Magic may opt to give last year's team another year to grow together. And there's the uncertainty of the labor situation, which could affect thinking.

But Smith and the Magic will be active in looking to upgrade their scoring and perimeter defense, and these are the guys who are out there.

Monta Ellis, G, Golden State Warriors

Age: 25

Contract: Three years, $33 million remaining, with early termination option after 2012-13.

Why the Warriors might trade him: Ellis, a volume shooting guard who prefers to dominate the ball, doesn't mesh particularly well with Steph Curry. Ellis has been on the trading block before, but the Warriors never saw a deal they wanted to make.

Why the Magic might want him: Ellis can create his own shot, a trait no perimeter player on the Magic roster currently possesses. He averaged 24.1 points per game last season and would give the Magic a scoring complement to Dwight Howard.

Could it happen? The Warriors have proven they'll stand pat if no good deal presents itself, but Otis Smith has some connections in Golden State, right?

Andre Iguodala, G/F, Philadelphia 76ers

Age: 27

Contract: Three years, $44.1 million remaining, with early termination option after 2012-13.

Why the Sixers might trade him: Iguodala isn't confident he'll return to Philadelphia. The Sixers have a young nucleus that Iguodala isn't necessarily a part of, and Iguodala's departure would make way for 2010 No. 2 overall pick Evan Turner to play more.

Why the Magic might want him: The Magic struggled to defend the perimeter this season, and Iguodala is one of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA. Pairing Iguodala with Dwight Howard would turn the Magic's defense into a force.

Could it happen? An Iguodala trade appears inevitable, and that – combined with Iguodala's hefty salary – makes him attainable.

Richard Hamilton, SG, Detroit Pistons

Age: 33

Contract: Two years, $25 million remaining, with second year being unguaranteed.

Why the Pistons might trade him: Hamilton infamously clashed with Pistons coach John Kuester this past season, attempting to organize a player boycott of practice. He was benched for almost two months of last season.

Why the Magic might want him: Hamilton's a smart, veteran player who is one of the best shooters in the NBA and a proven winner. He wouldn't offer much more, however, than what Jason Richardson brought to the Magic this past year.

Could it happen? If the Magic want Hamilton, they'll have no problem getting him. But there are questions about Hamilton's attitude and how much he has left.

O.J. Mayo, SG, Memphis Grizzlies

Age: 23

Contract: One year, $5.6 million remaining.

Why the Grizzlies might trade him: In the Grizzlies' crowded backcourt, Mayo's minutes and production were inconsistent. Mayo, the No. 3 pick in the 2008 draft, had some off-the-court issues that were distractions to the team this season.

Why the Magic might want him: Mayo has shown some ability to score in his three NBA seasons; he averaged 18.5 points per game as a rookie. He wouldn't be too expensive, either, although he might not be an upgrade over what the Magic currently have.

Could it happen? The Magic could've had him at the trade deadline this season if they wanted him, but they liked Jason Richardson more.

Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets

Age: 26

Contract: One year, $16.3 million, with player option for 2012-13 season.

Why the Hornets might trade him: The Hornets, who are now owned by the league, have given no indication they will ever trade Paul. But if Paul says he's going to leave next summer, they might want to get something for him in a trade.

Why the Magic might want him: Pairing Paul with Dwight Howard would make the Magic instant NBA Finals contenders and if Paul agreed to stick around, it would likely persuade Howard to stay in Orlando beyond next season.

Could it happen? With the Magic's current roster, they likely don't have enough to offer a better package than other teams should Paul hit the open trade market.

Deron Williams, PG, New Jersey Nets

Age: 26

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