Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder: NBA Draft – Tank wars heat up in week 17

By Tamberlyn Richardson

OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz (20) shoots against OKC Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-USA TODAY Sports /

The Orlando Magic (18-37):

With injuries to Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz, the Magic never had a fair shot to compete even in the lackluster Eastern Conference. Tired of losing, Aaron Gordon requested a trade and then backtracked. By that point, the franchise elected to trade him anyway sending the young star to the Nuggets.

While the Magic have consistently possessed strength in the frontcourt their backcourt and wing depth has either been lacking or not a great fit in the system. The Nuggets package which included Gary Harris and another young point guard (R.J. Hampton) potentially changes that dynamic.

With Evan Fournier set to hit free agency, he was another logical move. Orlando sent him to Boston getting two second-round picks in return.

The surprising move was Nikola Vucevic going to the Bulls in exchange for Wendell Carter Jr., Otto Porter Jr., and two first-round picks.  Carter fits the Magic timeline and should fit well with Isaac when he returns. One of the picks from this deal is for 2021 (protected 1-4) which probably explains why the lone win in the last seven matches by Orlando was against Chicago.

While the OKC Thunder rebuild will likely take a few seasons if the Magic emphasizes adding offensive talents they could make a quick return to playoff contention.

This weekend, the Magic will play two teams on the lottery list, the Raptors, and the Rockets. Toronto has owned the Magic the past several seasons (more on the Raptors below). A win over Houston would help the Thunder who are only up two games on Orlando.

If the Thunder can swap positions with the Magic their odds of winning the top draft pick improve from 8.3 percent to 12.5 percent.

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