This Clippers-Magic Trade Is Focused On Terrence Ross To L.A.

Terrence Ross
NBA Analysis Network
Terrence Ross, Indiana Pacers, Orlando Magic, NBA Rumors
Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
LA Clippers Receive: G Terrence Ross
Orlando Magic Receive: G Luke Kennard, 2026 Second-Round Pick

It feels as though Terrence Ross has been in trade rumors for much of the last few NBA seasons. With the Magic hitting the hard reset button by moving on from Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon, and Evan Fournier, it seems surprising that Ross is still in the fold.

Ross is under contract for the next two seasons and is set to earn $12.5 million in 2021-22. His salary declines by one million in its final year, which could be intriguing for a Los Angeles Clippers team with a high payroll. It’s not much of a salary change from Kennard but wouldn’t run up the cost.

The Magic would take on at least an extra year of salary with Kennard since there is a team option in 2024-25 that can be declined if Orlando wants to move on. However, there’s a benefit to having a moderate-sized contract as a trade chip for salary matching purposes.

Kennard, 25, is a younger option for the Magic to have sharpshooting around Jalen Suggs going forward as opposed to keeping Ross, who is set to turn 31-years-old in early February.

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A lot of top contenders have exhausted their draft assets with blockbuster trades. The bar is high for netting a first-round pick on rental players at this point. The Magic could have a tough time landing one for Ross, so finding a solid player who is younger could be a viable option.

How does this deal impact both teams involved? Let’s take a look at it from each of their perspectives, starting with the Los Angeles Clippers.

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