5 trades that Orlando Magic should consider
By Connor Learn
4. Jeff Green and Elfrid Payton to the Sacramento Kings for Rudy Gay and Ben McLemore
Why this trade makes sense for the Magic:
Rob Hennigan has had bad luck with the small forward position with the Magic. He sent Maurice Harkless to Portland for a 2020 second-round pick and he became a starter there. Hannigan also traded Tobias Harris to Detroit last year for what essentially became cap space after Ersan Ilyasova and Brandon Jennings weren’t retained. He proceeded to take that cap space and throw 15 million at Jeff Green this summer. Acquiring a better small forward would really help the Magic offensively—they need to do something to improve their offense.
The Magic bring in a player in Rudy Gay who has shown that he can be a leading scorer. He should be able to fit in well alongside the Magic’s other players and help them make the playoffs. They also get to bring in Ben McLemore in this trade, who could benefit from a change of scenery. The 23-year-old was the seventh pick in the 2013 draft and could be looking for the right team to unlock his potential. This move brings both scoring and upside to Orlando.
Why this trade makes sense for the Kings:
Elfrid Payton was drafted 10th overall in the 2014 draft with the hopes that he would become the franchise point guard in Orlando. A terrific defensive player in college, Payton has shown the ability to play quality defense in the NBA. He also contributes across multiple stat lines: posting good assist, rebounding, and steal numbers for a point guard. At the very least, he compliments Darren Collison well for the Kings. And at the best, they have a potential long term starter at point guard.
Jeff Green would be an adequate replacement for Rudy Gay. Losing Gay looks inevitable at this point and it will be hard to replicate his production in a trade. Green wouldn’t post the scoring numbers that Rudy Gay would, but he also doesn’t demand as many looks. The Kings are pressed to find a deal, and this could be a positive one for them.