Does this trade make sense for the Orlando Magic?
The Orlando Magic decided to move on from Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon at the NBA trade deadline back in March. Even though this organization typically prides it’s itself on being competitive with the goal of making the playoffs, It’s clear they are going to be entering a rebuild. So why trade for Kemba Walker?
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Something to take into consideration is the potential context behind the Magic’s moves at the NBA trade deadline is needed. Nikola Vucevic’s value was at an all-time high at the deadline and with the Eastern Conference becoming so competitive, building around his timeline no longer made sense. Additionally, Aaron Gordon stylistically clashes with Jonathan Isaac, so why not move on from him?
There isn’t a need for the Magic to tank when considering they have the No. 3 and No. 8 ranked NBA Draft Lottery odds in the 2021 NBA Draft. Unless the Magic get lucky and land the top-overall pick to pick Cade Cunningham, it’s likely they will be in a position to take either Evan Mobley or a wing player like Jalen Suggs, Jalen Green, or Jonathan Kuminga.
The Magic could benefit from taking on Kemba Walker to to be a stopgap veteran option at the point guard position for the team to immediately return to being competitive. Jonathan Isaac will be back in the lineup at some point and Orlando will have a pair of top NBA Draft picks at their disposal.
Walker has had his fair share of lingering injury concerns, but when he’s healthy he is still one of the most productive point guards in the NBA. In 43 regular season games in 2020-21, Walker averaged a solid 19.3 points, 4.0 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting 42.0 percent from the floor and 36.0 percent from beyond the three point line.
