Orlando Magic: 3 players the team should consider trading this summer

The Orlando Magic entered the 18/19 season coming off another disappointing year in which the team failed to compete for a playoff spot. Nevertheless, Orlando believed that youth could help them challenge in a historically weak Eastern Conference, and the Magic have indeed performed better than many expected.

As the NBA regular season heads towards its conclusion, Orlando remains in contention to secure a first playoff appearance since 2012, and there is no doubting that the team has made huge progress over the last 12 months.

Nevertheless, even if the Magic were to secure one of the final East playoff spots, the team is likely to suffer a first-round defeat to either the Raptors or Bucks.

The Magic remain a work in progress, and it could take a bold decision this summer to really push the team into contention. So, here we will assess three players that the Magic should consider trading away in the upcoming offseason.

#3 Evan Fournier

Fournier joined the Orlando Magic back in 2014

Evan Fournier joined the Magic back in 2014, and his evolution into a regular starter has been to the surprise of many. Fournier has been a key player for Orlando over the last four seasons, establishing himself as the team's most potent offensive threat, although the Frenchman's form has dropped off over the last 12 months.

Not only has Fournier's three-point accuracy (34%) fallen to a new career low, but his points per game total has also dropped below 15 for the first time since 2015. Fournier has started every game for the Magic this season, averaging around 32 minutes per game, and it is debatable whether he is currently offering value for his $17 million per season contract.

With the team recently adding Markelle Fultz to the roster, Fournier's role on the team could soon be reduced, and it may be time to trade away the 26-year-old.

#2 Aaron Gordon

The Magic continue to wait for Gordon to develop into a star

For the last 24 months, Aaron Gordon has been on the cusp of developing into one of the Eastern Conference's biggest stars, although it has yet to all come together for the 23-year-old. Gordon has averaged 15.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.9 assists per game during a solid season, although offensive consistency has prevented Gordon from tapping into his All-Star potential.

Despite now being into his fifth season, the California native still fluctuates between an unstoppable force and an offensive liability, and it remains questionable if Gordon will ever live up to his vast potential.

Back in 2018, the Magic strategically signed Gordon to a contract that decreases his salary season-on-season, a factor which will make the guard more appealing to rival teams. By no means should the Magic desperately pursue a trade for Gordon, however, after another somewhat disappointing season, Orlando should at least explore how much value Gordon holds on the market.

#1 Mo Bamba

When Mo Bamba was drafted by the Magic last summer, he was expected to immediately slot into the teams starting lineup. Nevertheless, Orlando was unable to move Nikola Vucevic, and the Montenegrin has since gone on to enjoy the best season of his career, earning a first All-Star appearance.

Vucevic's career year has relegated Bamba to the bench, and the center has started just once during his debut year. In his limited time on the court, Bamba has also struggled offensively, shooting just 48% from the field, most notably struggling from both the three-throw line and from three-point range.

The Magic are believed to be preparing to offer Vucevic a new contract this summer, and if an extension is agreed, it is hard to see an increased role for Bamba. Ultimately, the Magic have plenty of other youth on their roster, and Bamba may be a necessary sacrifice.