With all of the rumors that have been surfacing about the Magic lately, I figured I would make this thread to discuss who you guys would consider either available or untradable. I have this feeling that something will happen before the trade deadline on February 23, mostly because of the comments made by Otis Smith. He has stated that he has been looking to make a trade and has talked to at least Indiana and Detroit. Coach Hill has also said that the Magic will be looking to improve this team, whether it means trade wise or signing some D-League players. Here is my analysis on each player and why they should either be on the block or staying for good. Steve Francis - Even though Francis is basically all the Magic have left to show from their Tracy McGrady trade last season, I think it is about time this franchise ships away The Franchise. He hasn't been performing up to standards this season and hasn't stepped up into the leadership role that he was supposed to fill. He has had a nice stay with the Magic but unfortunately, I think it's time we moved on and handed over this team to Dwight Howard. Steve has tons of talent but I don't think he fits this team right now. Status: Available Dwight Howard - As of right now, Dwight Howard is the future of this franchise. He is probably our best player right now and he is a statistical beast. On top of that, he has so much potential and for all we know, he could be the best player in the league five years from now. His nickname "The Daily Double" suits him perfectly and to be honest, there aren't many players I would be willing to trade Howard for. He is an amazing player and this franchise needs to focus on surrounding him with talent that makes him better. Status: Untouchable Jameer Nelson - While Jameer isn't nearly as untouchable as Howard, the Magic front office has said that they don't want to trade their young players. Jameer has stepped up and played well when he has gotten the opportunity this season. When Francis was hurt and Dooling was suspended, he played very well and showed that he has what it takes to run this offense. He has a great all around game and all he really needs to work on his sharing the ball with his teammates. He can put points on the board and if he can learn to distribute the ball efficiently, he will be a very good point guard and an important player on this team. Status: Untouchable DeShawn Stevenson - Stevenson has improved all aspects of his game this season and has become the team's best perimeter defender. He is a valuable player on our team right now but would he be considered untouchable? I doubt it. At this point in his career, he is a decent role player who is still searching for his place on our team. Even though he has played good this season, he could be traded and I wouldn't be shocked to see him in a different jersey a month from now. Status: Available Tony Battie - Right now, Tony Battie a good role player who just happens to start for us because we have nobody else to take his place. His contract is expiring and I think that could be used as valuable trade bait. The only thing that could keep him in Orlando is our lack of depth when it comes to our power forward and center positions. Cato has been hurt, Kasun?s game is very raw and he isn?t ready to start, and Garrity?s game is one dimensional and he is a liability on defense. All in all, Battie is an ok player but he is expendable right now. Status: Available Grant Hill - Grant can't stay healthy and is in the final years of his career. Even when he was healthy earlier in the season, the Magic still weren't winning games consistently. Hill is a good player and could boost a good team into the playoffs. The only problem with Hill is his contract. He is making a lot of money this season and it will be tough to trade him. Also, Hill has mentioned retirement quite a bit this season so it is possible that the Magic can't trade him. Something tells me the only way we will see Hill out Orlando by the 23rd is if he is included in a package deal. At this point, Hill is available and his future with our team is uncertain. Status: Available Kelvin Cato - He has been hurt all year and his contract is expiring after this season. That means that he isn't helping the Magic right now and could help another team manage their pay roll. Ship him out for picks or some young players Otis, because he isn't doing anything productive on the injured list this season. Status: Available Now it's your turn.
I dont have time to do in as much detail, but I agree with swish on everything he said. Other then Dwight and Jameer I think everyone is fair game. I dont think they will move francis unless something very good comes along. Grant, if a contender wants him and is offering expiring contracts or draft picks I wouldnt be surprised to see him go. Cato is out of the rotation and is always injured maybe a contender would want him. His trade value went down a lot this season with all the injuries. I would like to see Francis stay here with Howard, Jameer and Hedo, that makes a very good core for the future.
I think Stevenson could be a very valuable filler in the Francis trade. He is a solid young player and if we throw him with Francis or Cato/Battie that might be enough to get something better. I say we don't trade Francis right now, since his trade value is about as low as possible right now. Unless we get 2 solid young guys(like Evans and Flip Murray) for him I don't think we should trade him. Cato and Battie, at least one SHOULD be shipped by the deadline. They are both huge expiring contracts and could help a rebuilding franchise, give us a young guy(I guess like Stevenson) and someone with a bad contract for them and I'll pull the trigger. Dwight is staying unless Cleveland trades Lebron for Dwight straight up. WHICH WON'T HAPPEN. Jameer is likely untouchable as well. Grant Hill, I'm not too sure about him. I think he's untouchable too(just because no one wants him).
