NBA Trade Rumors: 3 Players the Orlando Magic should trade away

As one of the worst performing NBA teams over the last half a decade, the Orlando Magic had low expectations coming into the 18/19 season. The Magic have successfully amassed a talented young core of players over the last few years, although Aaron Gordon looks to be the only current star, and a lot of the team's youngsters need more time to develop.

Despite the low expectations that the franchise had before the season, the Magic have impressed early on, and the team's current record of 14-15 is enough for 8th place in the Eastern Conference standings.

In recent weeks, the Magic have also managed to defeat LeBron James' in-form Lakers twice, and Orlando executives now believe that the team can make a first playoff appearance since 2012. Despite this, the franchise still needs to make a number of roster changes over the next few months, so here are three players that could be traded by the Orlando Magic before the 2019 trade deadline.

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#3 Jerian Grant

Jerian Grant is averaging 4.6 points per game

When the Orlando Magic acquired Jerian Grant from the Chicago Bulls back in July, it appeared that the 26-year-old could soon become the teams starting point guard. Despite this, Grant has failed to dislodge D.J. Augustin in the starting five, and he has had to settle for a place on the bench.

During the early stages of the 18/19 season, Grant has proved to be an adequate backup, although the Orlando Magic are reportedly looking to acquire a new starting point guard. If a trade materializes, then Augustin will likely return to his previous role of being backup, and this would ultimately push Grant to the third spot. This would leave Grant looking on from the sidelines, so the Magic should look to include the player in any upcoming trade discussions.

#2 Timofey Mozgov

Timofey Mozgov joined the Orlando Magic in the 2018 offseason, after spending a year with the Nets

Timofey Mozgov was undrafted during the 2008 NBA draft, although the Russian has still managed to carve out a successful career for himself. Mozgov debuted in the NBA two years after his draft disappointment, as he signed a three-year, $9.7 million contract with the New York Knicks. After spending time on various franchises, Mozgov won an NBA Championship with the Cavaliers in 2016, becoming one of the first Russians to do so.

The 32-year-old was expected to add depth to the Magic's bench. However, since landing in Orlando, Mozgov has yet to play, and the centre has been outspoken about his desire to leave the franchise. The Russian is evidently not part of the Magic's plans, and they should let the 32-year-old move on, as his discontent could affect team's playoff push.

#1 Mohamed Bamba

20-year-old Bamba was the 6th pick of the 2018 draft

It is a bold statement to say that the Magic should trade away Mohamed Bamba, although parting ways with the youngster makes a lot of sense.

When Bamba was drafted by the Magic over the summer, starting centre Nikola Vučević was immediately linked with a trade. Despite this, the Swiss star has started all 29 games for the Magic this season, and his form could see him rewarded with a first All-Star appearance in February.

In comparison, Bamba's performances have been underwhelming, and the 20-year-old is not reaching the same heights as the other leading picks from the 2018 draft. Vucevic himself has only just turned 28, and if the Magic are serious about contending in the Eastern Conference, the team needs to spread their best players across the court. The Magic would receive significant assets in return for Bamba, so while it is a risky move, trading Bamba could ultimately pay off.