NBA Rumors: Orlando Magic to trade Jameer Nelson?
By Bryan Rose
Even before the 2014 NBA Draft, there were heavy rumors suggesting that the Orlando Magic would look to trade Jameer Nelson this offseason. Still a talented point guard, Nelson brings with him not only an ability to play but also a very team friendly contract which is only partially guaranteed.
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That may be of interest to a team looking to clear salary as his base salary is $8 million for the upcoming season, though if a team opts to buy him out he’ll only cost a few million dollars.
Given all that, it’s the expectation of Steve Kyler who believes the Orlando Magic will trade Jameer Nelson this offseason.
"I believe Jameer is traded, and I would think Vic starts. A lot of that has to do with how ready Victor is to start. I do not think Vic starts at point guard. I think Payton will get that job. I think Vic starts at the two."
Trading Nelson this offseason seemed very possible and that was before Orlando acquired the draft rights to point guard Elfrid Payton. Now with both Payton and Victor Oladpio on the roster, there simply isn’t a lot of room for Nelson on the roster unless he wants play the role of mentor.
For what it’s worth, Nelson has continually stated that he wants to remain with the Orlando Magic organization, though such was said before the Magic’s most recent draft. It’s not known if his preference to remain in the Magic Kingdom has changed or stayed the same given the Magic’s offseason moves.