Breaking down the Southeast Division trade deadline deals
By Tony Heim
Orlando Magic “deadline” deal
You really think I wasn’t going to cover the Serge Ibaka trade? As a Thunder site, of course I’m going to promote this:
I mean wow. Orlando essentially gave up two young assets in Oladipo and Domas and a solid vet in Ilyasova and turned that into Terrance Ross and the LA Clippers 2017 first round pick. But let’s look at the trade a little more before we come to conclusions.
Orlando Receives: Terrance Ross, 2017 first round pick
Toronto Receives: Serge Ibaka
Well now that we see it in bold we can officially declare this a monstrosity for Orlando. It doesn’t matter that Toronto is getting a rental in Ibaka because Orlando knowingly traded for Ibaka’s expiring.
If there’s a positive in this deal for the Magic it’s going to be Terrance Ross. Ross is a talented player who can score in bunches, and Orlando has him locked in for another two seasons at only $10 million.
Ross’ playing time was diminished by playing behind Demar DeRozan and Demarre Carroll so its possible that he realizes his potential in Orlando. Not many players can score 50 points in an NBA game, and his athleticism fits in well with the young frontcourt of Bismack Biyombo and Aaron Gordon.
The first round pick is nice because of this deep draft, but it will likely be in the bottom third. Couple that with Orlando’s awful pedigree of developing young talent (see Mario Hezonja) and there’s a chance that the Magic trade Oladipo, Sabonis and Ilyasova for 50 games of Ibaka and Terrance Ross. Not good Orlando.
Magic Trade Grade: D-