NBA rumors: Cavaliers tried to trade Marcus Thornton to Magic
By Bryan Rose
The Orlando Magic have made some interesting offseason moves during the past few days including the signings (at least verbally) of both Ben Gordon and Channing Frye. Understandably, the Magic wanted to add shooting and they did just that. But with such a young team, it’s not as if the Magic are going to be much of a threat this season and the addition of both veterans were slightly head scratching.
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However, given the additions of both Frye and Gordon, it appears as if the Magic are comfortable with their perimeter offense at this point – or possibly don’t want to add any additional salary.
Why is that? Well, according to Zach Lowe of Grantland.com, the Cleveland Cavaliers attempted to trade Marcus Thornton to to the Orlando Magic in their three-team deal with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets. According to Lowe, the Cavaliers reached out to many teams with cap room in hopes of sending Marcus Thornton their way but it was the Celtics who completed the move.
"The Cavs reached out to the Magic and just about every other team with the requisite room, but Boston used its leftover trade exception to pounce first."
Marcus Thornton’s contract does expire at season end, but with $8 million dollars left on on his deal it’s understandable why the Magic didn’t want to make such a move as they don’t need him nor his salary. Yes, he could have been a potential trade asset but their available cap space is likely more important at this point.