Why This Trade Makes Sense For The Magic

Giving up Aaron Gordon, Mo Bamba, and four first-round picks may seem like too much for the Magic. But, it could make perfect sense. It would all hinge on whether or not Orlando thinks they can keep James Harden long-term.

At this point in time, Harden has two years left on his contract and a player option on a third year. He has been rumored to be targeting a trade to the Brooklyn Nets, but he doesn’t have much of a say. Harden is locked into his current deal and the Magic would have a couple of years to build around him.

Harden is the kind of player that can attract other stars to play around him. That would be another thing the Magic would be betting on with this trade.

While they would trade a lot of their current talent, the Magic would still have Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, Terrence Ross, and Nikola Vucevic around Harden. With a couple of quality offseason runs, the Magic could bring in another star or two to place alongside Harden.

Orlando would have their work cut out for them. They have struggled with mediocrity for years, which would change instant with a trade for Harden. If the Magic decide to swing big, making a push to acquire Harden from the Rockets could be exactly the move they need to make.