The Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic could be the perfect trade partners before the February 2017 deadline, with both teams in possessions of key players who could address one another's needs.
The Magic are exploring the trade market for scorers to improve their offense, according to the team's CEO Alex Martins. While Orlando is at the middle of the rankings in Offensive Rating, with 104.3 points scored in 100 possessions, the team is only scoring 97.4 points a game on 43.1 shooting percent shooting from the field.
J. Michael of CSN Philly explored the possibility of Orlando sending one of its defensive stoppers for one of Houston Rockets' plethora of scorers.
"If there are two teams that could benefit from talking before the trade deadline to improve their fortunes, it's the Magic and Houston Rockets. One is heavy on defensive stoppers (Orlando) and the other on scorers (Houston)," Michael wrote.
The Magic's frontcourt are stacked with defensive big men in Bismack Biyombo and Serge Ibaka. The latter is currently on an expiring contract, which makes Ibaka the likely trade candidate for the Magic in any potential deal. A trade scenario that could work for both teams is swapping Ibaka for Rockets' Eric Gordon.
Moving Ibaka would open up minutes for Biyombo and Nikola Vucevic, who has been playing limited minutes due to the team's crowded frontcourt. Ibaka would boost the Rockets' interior defense, while Gordon, who is averaging 17.5 points on 44.3 percent shooting from the field, provides the Magic an added scoring option.
However, it is unlikely the Rockets would consider trading Gordon at this point. The 27-year-old shooting guard is playing one his best form since his final season with the Los Angeles Clippers in 2010-2011. He has emerged as a perfect sidekick to James Harden, helping the Rockets to a strong start this year.
Nevertheless, if the Magic could offer an enticing package that would help the Rockets become legit title contenders, it is possible to see these teams work out a deal.
Video courtesy: YouTube/NBA
