NBA rumors: Magic trade Shabazz Napier to Blazers

Shabazz Napier, once a college basketball star, is set to be on the move to his third NBA team.

There was a time where Shabazz Napier’s stock was on the rise. He won the 2014 NCAA Tournament with the Connecticut Huskies, and became a first round pick of the Miami Heat months later.

Things didn’t come easy for Napier, though, as he struggled in limited time in Miami. The Orlando Magic then traded for him before the 2015-16 season, and he put up worse numbers, shooting just 33-percent from the field in 55 games.

Well, Napier is on the move again, as Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel reported that the Portland Trail Blazers have acquired the two-year pro.

The Magic and Blazers have worked together before, including deals for Moe Harkless and Arron Afflalo in the past.

Napier will likely slide down the guard rotation order, with Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum taking the starters minutes. There’s a chance the former Huskie can work his way into a backup role if he shows flashes of talent in 2016-17. It’s a low risk move for the Blazers, so it’s worth a shot.

As for the Magic, trading Shabazz Napier means they’re simply clearing a roster spot. They have had an active off-season, including acquiring Bismack Biyombo and Serge Ibaka, so maybe this creates an opening for them to bring in another player.

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