Orlando Magic could trade 2 former top-ten picks ahead of deadline?
Sep 26, 2022; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley talks with media during Media Day at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The bottom has fallen out on Orlando after their hot start to the season, and they may be making a move to try to recapture the magic (no pun intended).
Veteran NBA writer Marc Stein reported this weekend on Substack that the Magic are exploring the trade market for guard Markelle Fultz ahead of the Feb. 8 deadline. Stein also noted that Orlando is making center Wendell Carter Jr. available for trade as well.
Fultz, 25, was the No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft in 2017 while Carter, 24, was the No. 7 overall pick a year later in 2018. Both players have missed extended time due to injuries this season, and the Magic have found a fairly successful rotation without them. Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and Anthony Black is the new point guard trio of choice while Goga Bitadze and Moe Wagner alternate at center.
Orlando began the season a surprising 14-5 but have gone just 7-13 since that point (including three consecutive losses and counting). Carter and especially Fultz (who is on a $17 million expiring contract and has vastly improved in recent seasons) would be strong trade chips if Orlando is looking to bring in some veteran help to get back on track.
