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NBA Rumors: 5 Draft Day trades Orlando Magic should make

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) drives past Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 92-87. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jimmy Butler (21) drives past Orlando Magic guard Victor Oladipo (5) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 92-87. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers
Dec 3, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) attempts to dunk the ball against the Orlando Magic during the second half at Staples Center. Clippers defeated Magic 114-86. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Los Angeles Clippers

There may be no deal thinking bigger than to go for the big kahuna in Blake Griffin.

He might be the biggest player out on the trade market and it will take a very big deal to get him. The Magic would have to give up both their most tradable assets and that might not even be enough.

Aaron Gordon has often been called a mini-Blake Griffin. He certainly has the raw athleticism and leaping ability to earn that moniker. His basketball skills are still coming along, but he could be in for a big jump too. Oladipo is all potential.

But what this deal really does for the Clippers is that it gets them from out under the cap. They take a step back but clear out a lot of cap room.

If Oladipo does not turn into a star, they can let him walk after one season. Gordon is still on his rookie contract. Ersan Ilyasova’s deal is partially guaranteed. If he is cut by July 1, the Clippers would save $8 million. That could help them recharge and reload, especially if Gordon develops and realizes his potential.

For the Magic, they get a market draw and a star. They can use that to build a team quickly around him and attract a free agent.

That would,t hey hope, be enough to get Griffin to commit to a long-term deal when he becomes a free agent in 2018 (most likely). The Magic would have one season to prove they can build a winner around him. It at least gets them into some conversations as they would still have the cap room to make a big move this summer.

That is essentially what all these deals do for a star. It gets the Magic in the conversation for a big fish. Give up some of the assets the team has now, and then maybe Rob Hennigan can get a meeting with Kevin Durant in July.

Next: Thinking smaller

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