5 trades that Orlando Magic should consider

3. Mario Hezonja, D.J. Augustin, and C.J. Watson to the Miami Heat for Goran Dragic

Why this trade makes sense for the Magic

Rob Hennigan knows that he has to improve his team’s offense in whatever move that he makes. Their point guard play has been hampering them at that end of the court; they should try to acquire a new engine of their offense. Goran Dragic could potentially be the solution to their problems. The Slovenian is only two seasons removed from making All-NBA Third Team.

Acquiring Dragic may require them to play up-tempo, but that is something they should experiment with anyway. Mario Hezonja trade rumors have surfaced for a move just like this. If the Orlando Magic want to win now, this is a trade they need to make.

Why this trade makes sense for the Heat:

The Miami Heat are currently 7-15 and have lost their last three games amidst a rash of injuries. Any plans of avoiding rebuilding with Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh are over now that Wade is gone and Pat Riley has said that Bosh will never play in Miami again.

The Heat will likely release Chris Bosh, but his contract will count against the cap if he makes a comeback. The talk around Bosh is that he would like to return, and his cap number the next two seasons hampers the Heat if they would like to be competitive.

The best course of action for Miami is to rebuild now. They can build around Hassan Whiteside, Justise Winslow, Tyler Johnson, and Josh Richardson. Goran Dragic, 30, shouldn’t go through their rebuild. Trade rumors surrounding him have already started. Mario Hezonja was taken over Devin Booker last year for a reason and may have a bright future in the NBA.

The 6-foot-8, 21-year-old Croat has the potential to be a good scorer from the wing. None of the Heat’s young wings project to be volume scorers and acquiring a young player instead of picks will accelerate their rebuilding process. Augustin and Watson are replacements for Dragic and likely will not be a part of their long term plans.