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NBA Trade Rumors: Orlando Magic’s Options With No. 2 Pick

By Vytis Lasaitis

March 10, 2013; Orlando FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn talks with point guard Jameer Nelson (14), small forward Tobias Harris (12), point guard Beno Udrih (19), center Nikola Vucevic (9) and teammates during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
March 10, 2013; Orlando FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Jacque Vaughn talks with point guard Jameer Nelson (14), small forward Tobias Harris (12), point guard Beno Udrih (19), center Nikola Vucevic (9) and teammates during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Amway Center. Orlando Magic defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 99-91. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 7, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon (10) handles the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) in the first half at US Airways Center. The Hornets defeated the Suns 95-92. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA; New Orleans Hornets guard Eric Gordon (10) handles the ball against Phoenix Suns guard Goran Dragic (1) in the first half at US Airways Center. The Hornets defeated the Suns 95-92. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports /

Trade No. 3 – LINK TO ESPN TRADE MACHINE

Orlando Magic Receive:

Eric Gordon

New Orleans Pelicans receive:

2nd overall pick

Al Harrington

Arron Afflalo

Why this trade could happen…

It’s no secret that Eric Gordon is not a huge fan of playing in New Orleans, as he signed an offer sheet with the Phoenix Suns. And the fact is, the feelings might start to become mutual. The Pelicans could not just give up and let go of Gordon after trading Chris Paul and now he has a multi-year deal with the team. When healthy, Gordon can be one of the better scorers in the league, but he was limited to just 42 games last season, and has played in just 51 total games since arriving in New Orleans.

In this trade, the Magic would get a player that could potentially be worth gambling on, or at least give the franchise some kind of a direction. It’s a gamble, yes, but the price is not too big. While Afflalo had a decent season, some would argue he is overpaid. The deal would allow Orlando to get rid of Harrington and obviously send the second overall pick to the Pelicans.

For New Orleans, the team gets out of Gordon’s big contract and looks to build around Anthony Davis. There is a chance Nerlens Noel could fall to the second overall pick, and pairing up Noel with Davis would be a sight to behold. While Harrington is not a great piece to have, there is a chance he could get healthy and contribute. Instead of Gordon, the Pelicans would get Afflalo, who is a good defender and can also contribute offensively.

…and what holds it back

What holds this deal back is probably how much Orlando like Gordon and whether they think he is worth the risk. If Gordon was to get healthy, he would be a decent fit with the young core of Orlando, but if he continues to get hurt, his massive contract would hinder the team’s future flexibility.

Overall possibility: To be honest, I believe this deal could happen. Once again, it all depends on whether the Pelicans feel that they can get someone valuable in this year’s draft and whether the Magic are willing to gamble on Gordon.

What do you think of these suggestions? Do they make sense, or are they far-fetched? Have any suggestions of your own? Let your voice be heard in the comment section down below.

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