Does this trade make sense for the Orlando Magic?

The question for the Orlando Magic is not going to be “if” they trade Terrence Ross, it will be a matter of “when” will they trade him? Orlando’s general manager, John Hammond, has not been afraid of moving pieces of his roster around like pieces of a chessboard and that was very apparent when the Magic moved Vucevic, Gordon, and Fournier at the trade deadline last year.

Moving Ross at the trade deadline this year would not and should not be a surprising move not only because his contract is unfavorable to the Magic right now, but because at 30-years-old, he does not fit into their long-term plans.

The Orlando Magic are rebuilding and as a result, getting their young talents as much playing time as possible is key. Along with player development, freeing up cap space to keep their young talents together is also a key factor of this team, which is why moving Ross and the remaining $24M on his contract over the next two years makes sense.

By moving Ross, the Magic will open up more playing time for guys like rookie Franz Wagner and Chuma Okeke, as well as newly acquired Luke Kennard, who is a very viable three-point shooting threat. 

LATEST NBA NEWS & RUMORS: This Cavaliers-Magic Trade Involves Terrence Ross

Kennard is only 25-years-old and with the Magic’s young talents right now not really known to be big-time three-point shooters, the Clippers’ sharpshooter could hold more value to the Magic than first imagined. Franz Wagner, R.J. Hampton and Cole Anthony have shot the ball well from deep so far this season, but their numbers are expected to come back down to earth a little bit over the next few weeks. 

Getting two second-round picks and an impactful shooter like Luke Kennard is fair value for the Orlando Magic, which is why Terrence Ross getting traded to the Los Angeles Clippers is a deal we could see happen this season.