Does this trade make sense for the Orlando Magic?

The question for the 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. 

Depending on where other teams are at standings-wise closer to the trade deadline, we could very well see the Magic entertain other offers from Ross from other teams around the league, but this offer from the Celtics is not terrible whatsoever. 

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Both Williams and Nesmith are two role players that could fit in nicely next to other young, athletic players on the Magic’s roster and since they are on their rookie deals, the Magic would control all the long-term longevity of said contracts. 

Getting two former first-round picks and a second-round pick in 2023 is fair value for the Orlando Magic, which is why Terrence Ross getting traded to the Boston Celtics is a deal we could see happen this season.