5 trades that Orlando Magic should consider
By Connor Learn
1. D.J. Augustin, Jodie Meeks, and 2016 Magic second round pick to the Phoenix Suns for Brandon Knight
Why this trade makes sense for the Magic
Brandon Knight has shown the ability to be a lead point guard in the NBA. He was taken in the first round by the Detroit Pistons after playing for John Calipari at Kentucky. Knight showed promise for the Pistons and was acquired along with Khris Middleton in exchange for Brandon Jennings in 2013.
Knight played well for the Bucks, averaging 17 points per game during his time there. He was an All-Star candidate by 2015 before being traded to Phoenix. And though his play hasn’t been the same and his contract may be too costly, he is worth the risk for the Magic. Knight is still just 25 years old and may benefit from changing teams.
Why this trade makes sense for the Suns
Knight was an All-Star candidate during his breakout 2014-2015 season with the Milwaukee Bucks. Phoenix acquired Knight at the trade deadline that year and they extended him to a five-year, $70 million deal before last season.
Knight just hasn’t worked out for the Suns thus far though. His play last year was disappointing to many and his stats this year are his worst of his career. He has failed in his new sixth man role. Phoenix is 14thin the West and Brandon Knight has the worst plus/minus on the team. He has little trade value and the Suns could be trying to unload his contract at this point.
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D.J. Augustin and Jodie Meeks are older than the Suns young core and probably aren’t long-term solutions for them. But the Suns will get steady bench play out of these vets in the interim. Augustin could also help mentor Tyler Ulis. A second-round pick in a good draft this year makes this trade package more appealing as well. The Suns are better off long term if they part ways with Brandon Knight.