The Orlando Magic badly needs to make a trade, and Indiana Pacers star Paul George has emerged as a potential target.
The Magic are finding it hard to win games, and one of the contributing factors to the team's struggles is the Orlando's dysfunctional offense, which has a poor efficiency rate of 98.9 points per 100 possessions. According to Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, the Magic could explore the trade market in hopes of acquiring a go-to-scorer who could elevate the team's offense.
"The Orlando Magic will sift through the trade market in an effort to add a scorer, a league source with knowledge of the situation told the Orlando Sentinel," Robbins wrote.
With plenty of trade assets in hand, the Magic are in position to orchestrate a blockbuster deal that could net in return a prolific scorer like Paul George.
George's relationship with Frank Vogel has seen him as a possible target for the Magic during the offseason. With George already familiar with Vogel's schemes, adding the All-Star forward would instantly elevate the Magic's offense and give the team a go-to-guy who can create his own shots.
But trading for a star like George won't come at a cheap price, especially with the Indiana Pacers very keen on keeping the 26-year-old forward long-term.
The Pacers are on course for another disappointing season, which could put them on the cusp of pressing the reset button. If George becomes available, the Pacers would surely want draft picks and young talents in return to help in their rebuilding efforts.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report suggested a trade package involving Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Gordon and draft picks to secure a "higher-end wing" like George. Vucevic is the "odd man out by default" in the Magic's crowded frontcourt, and pairing him a young prospect like Gordon and picks could be enticing enough for the Pacers to let go of George.
The Magic's level of interest in George is still unclear, but his offensive prowess should see him as one Orlando's top targets before the February 2017 trade deadline.
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