Fansided

20 early NBA trades we really want to see

By Ti Windisch

PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 20, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHOENIX, AZ - OCTOBER 20: Eric Bledsoe #2 of the Phoenix Suns looks on during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 20, 2017 at Talking Stick Resort Arena in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Barry Gossage/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Magic
MEMPHIS, TN – OCTOBER 2: Elfrid Payton #2 of the Orlando Magic handles the ball during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies during a preseason game on October 2, 2017 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Replacing Eric Bledsoe

Magic Get
Troy Daniels, Some sort of draft pick
Suns Get
Elfrid Payton

The Orlando Magic certainly do not need to move Elfrid Payton in a trade. While it’s true that Orlando has played much better with a shooter in his place in the starting lineup, the Magic could likely find ways to make Payton fit in a bench role and still add to the team.

Payton is the kind of player the Suns might want to take a gamble on, though, especially once Eric Bledsoe finally does get moved. Orlando should be too smart to take their hot start to mean it’s time to buy on a veteran player, meaning they could be either a third team in a Bledsoe deal or a trade partner for Phoenix after the fact.

The Suns won’t give up any of their fun young players, but they can send a sharpshooter in Troy Daniels and a draft pick if they would like to take a flier on Payton. In addition to basically all of their own picks, Phoenix has two first rounders from the Miami Heat and two incoming second round picks as well.

Gauging Payton’s value is tricky right now, but if Orlando and Phoenix decide it’s somewhere close to Troy Daniels and some platter of draft picks then NBA fans might get to see what Payton can do outside of Orlando, while the Magic gain assets for their rebuilding process.

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