It’s common for an NBA team to have a logjam. In other words, they’ve got too many players in one position. That’s especially common for a rebuilding club. They tend to accumulate talent first, and ask questions later.
The Orlando Magic have got a logjam. This team has too many young guards. Having just selected Anthony Black in the lottery, they’ve compounded the problem. Eventually, they’ll need to trade one of their young point guards. Perhaps they’ll need to look for another team with a logjam.
How about the Los Angeles Clippers? This team has a surplus of wings. In all likelihood, they’ll move one this summer. The Clippers could be interested in one of Orlando’s young point guards – why not Cole Anthony?
The Trade Proposal
Orlando Magic Receive: F Robert Covington, 2028 First-Round Pick (Top-10 Protected – LAC)
Los Angeles Clippers Receive: G Cole Anthony, F Chuma Okeke
On the other hand, doubling down on some player types is easier than others. It depends on whether players have complementary skill sets. At a certain point, overlapping skill sets can have a diminishing return.
In most cases, we’re thinking of playmakers. With a team full of playmakers, who will finish plays? This is the problem that the Magic are facing. Whether now or later, they’re going to have to move one of these young point guards.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Los Angeles Clippers & Orlando Magic Updates
With that said, a team can even have a surplus of 3-and-D wings. Look at the Clippers. Robert Covington has had a successful career as one of the best players of that archetype. In 2022-23, the Clippers couldn’t find room for him in the rotation. This team has too many 3-and-D wings. Should the Magic take one off of their hands?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Well, that’s not strictly what the Magic are doing here. They’re trading for a protected first-round pick. With that said, Covington is a solid veteran for this team to acquire. He ought to find a place in their rotation as a complimentary player to Black, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Still, this is about clearing up the logjam above all else. At the same time, Anthony has flashed too much potential to salary dump. That’s why the Magic get a first-round pick here. Sure, it’s protected. In all likelihood, that will be market value for Anthony.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Los Angeles Clippers & Orlando Magic Updates
After all, he’s often been prone to inefficiency in his young NBA career. Moreover, he’s on expiring contract. That’s part of the appeal for Orlando here – they’re moving Anthony before it’s time to pony up for him. Should the Clippers take a look at him ahead of his extension?
Why The Los Angeles Clippers Do The Deal
Well, the Clippers could use a point guard. Whether Anthony is the solution or not is a different question. It’s fair to say that he’s a score-first guard who only sets up teammates as a last resort.
At the same time, the Clippers don’t need to hand him the reigns as a starter. They’ve got Russell Westbrook on the roster. He’s got his own warts, but the Clippers could run a platoon at the point. In all likelihood, different matchups will suit either Westbrook or Anthony more.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Cole Anthony, Los Angeles Clippers & Orlando Magic Updates
Should they be concerned about paying Anthony? A little. On the other hand, this is a buy-low opportunity for the Clippers. Even if it doesn’t work out with Anthony, they’re acquiring a solid young player for a win-now push. At the cost of a player they don’t use and a pick that’s protected against disaster, that’s a move they’d have to consider. If nothing else, they’re cleaning up their logjam.
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