Wiz of Awes
Fansided

The Washington Wizards should trade for one of Orlando Magic’s guards

By Cem Yolbulan

ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Suggs #4 and Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic talk against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Amway Center on November 05, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA - NOVEMBER 05: Jalen Suggs #4 and Cole Anthony #50 of the Orlando Magic talk against the San Antonio Spurs during the first half at Amway Center on November 05, 2021 in Orlando, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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A key part of rebuilding is taking advantage of situations around the league where certain players are undervalued or underutilized. Identifying players who aren’t getting the chance they need and targeting them in trades is an excellent way to find value on the margins. The Washington Wizards should try to do this during their rebuild. One team overflowing with good young players they can keep an eye on is the Orlando Magic.

The Orlando Magic currently have seven players for their two backcourt spots: Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, Joe Ingles, and Gary Harris. Every single one of these players is either a recent top-15 draft selection or an established veteran, which means they all expect a certain amount of playing time.

Not only is there a surplus in the backcourt, but there is also an overlap in terms of skill sets. Suggs, Fultz, and Black are all defense-first point guards with limited jump shots. It will be challenging to find enough minutes for all three of them since they don’t fit well enough to play together.

That’s why this could be an opportunity for the Washington Wizards. The Wizards desperately need to add more talented prospects with upside. Identifying this backcourt depth situation in Orlando and trying to lure one of these young players to Washington would be a great way to do that.

Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony’s contracts are expiring after this season. Jalen Suggs has a team option for $9 million for next season. The Magic might want to move on from at least one of them instead of giving him a long-term contract. That’s why these three players might be acquirable for the Wizards.

Considering that Orlando has plenty of young players and that they want to take a step forward in the Eastern Conference, they might be interested in some of the Wizards veterans. Some combination of draft compensation and players that could include Tyus Jones, Delon Wright, Danilo Gallinari, and Landry Shamet could get the job done for the Wizards.

As Washington is trying to find their core of the future, the front office needs to be evaluating other teams’ situations to identify talent. The Orlando Magic could be a good place to start.

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