The Orlando Magic found themselves in the postseason last year for the first time since 2011-12.
They were promptly bounced in the first round and chose to leave their roster mostly untouched during the summer, doubling down on their belief in their current group.
But what if they decided to make a splash? What three players would boost their tenuous playoff odds and also simultaneously put them on the doorstep of an NBA Finals appearance?
Let's take a look.
3. DeMar DeRozan
This would be an all-in move from a team that has traditionally chosen to askew such a route.
It would also be contingent upon the Spurs either falling out of the Western Conference race or Orlando dealing a package that could help San Antonio in their own quest for the postseason.
The Magic have reportedly expressed interest, but how far along a deal actually is remains unclear.
2. Kevin Love
Orlando already has a reputation as a team full of big men, but adding a five-time All-Star from a team that is not likely to be in contention during the 2019-20 campaign may be too much to resist.
Any deal to acquire Love would likely necessitate Aaron Gordon being dealt in a package, which would pave the way for Love, who is averaging 18.5 points and 12.9 rebounds per game through his first 10 contests.
His injury woes could be reason for pause, but also simultaneously the reason that the Cavaliers could be open to such a deal.
1. Buddy Hield
In the wake of De'Aaron Fox's injury that has levied a significant blow to Sacramento's playoff hopes, the high-volume scoring of Hield could be heavily sought after entering the trade deadline.
The Kings are high on Hield — who highlighted the DeMarcus Cousins trade in February 2017 — and have seen him develop into a 20-point per game scorer. But if Orlando has a glaring need early on this year, it has been their lack of offensive punch on the wing.
Last season, Hield set the record for the most three-pointers made in the first three seasons of a player's career and could provide enough of an offensive culture change that it spurs the Magic forward.
While the 3-7 start that Orlando has gotten off to entering play Wednesday is less than optimal for their playoff aspirations, the Eastern Conference remains a fertile proving ground over the upcoming five months.
The group proved itself capable of making the postseason without any drastic trades last season, but with Nikola Vucevic's All-Star emergence and the early season development of Jonathan Isaac and Markelle Fultz, the organization could deem it time to spring for adding another star to the mix.
Follow Us
Subscribe