Magic swingman Evan Fournier is the player most likely to be moved before the trade deadline, according to an ESPN Insider report from Bobby Marks.
While there’s no indication Fournier is being shopped, a straw poll of NBA executives believe that the Magic will need to start exploring their trade options on the veteran, who is likely to leave $17.2MM on the table and opt out this summer. Orlando is currently battling for the last playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Fournier is enjoying a career year, averaging 19.6 PPG and shooting 42.3% from long range.
Here are more nuggets from the ESPN report:
- Pelicans guard Jrue Holiday is the trade candidate that teams would risk their assets to acquire, according to the same straw poll. Holiday is under contract through the 2021/22 season, though he also has an opt-out in the final season. He’s eligible to sign an extension this summer.
- The summer of 2021 might not yield the free agency bonanza than many people anticipate. Giannis Antetokounmpo would be the biggest attraction if he doesn’t sign an extension with Milwaukee but LeBron James, Paul George and Kawhi Leonard are already at their preferred destination and probably won’t want to go elsewhere. Holiday, Spencer Dinwiddie, Gordon Hayward, Kelly Oubre and Rudy Gobert would headline that free agent class unless Antetokounmpo or the L.A. trio tests the market.
- Several players with big contracts could be bought out and hit the free agent market after they clear waivers, unless a trade partner comes along and wants to retain them. That group includes Allen Crabbe, Evan Turner, Marvin Williams, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist, Andre Iguodala, Jeff Teague, Marcus Morris and Derrick Favors, who are all making at least $15MM this season.
Evan Fournier to the SASpurs for DeRozan …
Feels right. Orlando would have to send something else back like Mamba to make salaries work.
And, whereas Fournier will likely opt out and DDR wouldn’t at 27M option, I can see spurs asking for a (protected) pick too.
No way. Magic can’t afford to lose his shooting without getting some back in return. Would need to be as part of a larger deal, perhaps involving Forbes or Gordon.
Evan Fournier to the SASpurs for Demar DeRozan …
Sixers
$$$ doesnt work
None of the 2021 class listed seem likely to move. But more players will emerge who would make that list.
ET back to the Blazers on a buyout is so unlikely but it would be perfect.
And AC while we’re at it.
ET back to Blazers…. interesting. Explain…
ET’s fingertips glow like it
Fournier Gordon and Bamba for Aldridge and DDR
SAS build around Murray White with young players Gordon and Bamba while getting a better shooter in Fournier.
Magic get two stars and a bunch more scoring. Vuce and Aldridge are two bigs that can move and score without clogging the paint to much allowing DDR to run the lanes. Isaacs plays the solid D and Fultz and Augustine compete for starting PG. Augustine probably starts cause his D and 3 ball, he becomes a poor mans Beverly.
Magic definitely make the playoffs, SAS get to build for next year and look forward to the future. Hopefully also draft well (possibly top 10), Deni Avdija would be a great fit, Jordan Norwa would be a good second choice, Precious Achiuwa would be a third choice with high long term potential.