Blake Griffin and Nikola Vucevic (Photo : NBAE via Getty Images)
The Orlando Magic could facilitate a trade for Blake Griffin in a deal that could involve Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon.
The Orlando Magic are among the teams rumored to pursue Blake Griffin in the summer of 2017, according to Steve Kyler of Basketball Insiders.
"The Thunder won't be alone if Griffin hits the open market. The Boston Celtics have long had eyes for Griffin, and there has been talk that the Orlando Magic and Chicago Bulls would also make a hard push at Griffin. Coincidentally, both teams have tradable assets now if the Clippers decide they want to consider a trade," Kyler wrote.
With the Magic all set with their frontcourt rotation, it only make sense for them to wait for free agency before attempting to pry out Griffin from LA. But while it would be wise for the Magic to wait until next summer, trading for Griffin could be a viable option for Orlando if they really wish to become contenders this season.
The Magic have been consistently linked to trading for Griffin before the trade deadline, and any potential deal for the All-Star forward would still likely include some of Orlando's young talents. In a trade deal that works on ESPN's trade machine, the Magic could send Nikola Vucevic and Aaron Gordon to the Clippers for Griffin.
The Magic would create a more manageable frontcourt rotation by unloading the contracts of Vucevic and Gordon. Such move could slide Biyombo or Ibaka to the five spot and Griffin playing the four, giving the Magic a lethal combination of versatile big men. Griffin's outside shooting isn't entirely reliable, but pairing him with Ibaka, who is also turning himself into a stretch four, could create enough space for Biyombo to operate inside the paint.
Meanwhile, the Clippers would get a cheaper, younger and raw version of Griffin in Aaron Gordon. Gordon's athleticism and ability to finish at the rim should see him fit well in the Clippers' fast-paced offense.
On the other hand, adding Vucevic provides the Clippers an offensive threat down low. The 25-year-old's skills would be beneficial when the Clips attempt to slow the pace of their offense. His defensive inefficiency could be an issue, but playing alongside DeAndre Jordan should cover up any of those.
While the Magic admitted they are in no rush to move Vucevic, it may change if it presents them a chance to acquire Griffin. Surely, it would be a risky move for the Magic as Griffin could explore free agency next summer, but it could be worth the gamble for a team that hasn't reached the playoffs for four-straight seasons.
