The Orlando Magic have discussed possible trades involving former lottery pick Mario Hezonja, according to Michael Scotto of Basketball Insiders. One particular deal would see Hezonja going to the Sacramento Kings for Malachi Richardson and a second-round pick, but those talks have stalled.
The clock is ticking on the Magic as they must decide by the Tuesday deadline whether to exercise their $5.17 million fourth-year option for Hezonja.
Hezonja, the No. 5 overall pick by the Magic in the 2015 draft, has been a major disappointment in Orlando. He has averaged just 5.5 points on 40 percent shooting and 2.2 rebounds through his first two seasons in the league. And with free-agent signing Jonathon Simmons playing so well, Hezonja is averaging a career-low 13 minutes through six games this season.
Meanwhile, Malachi Richardson was the No. 22 overall pick by the Kings in the 2016 draft. He was limited to just 22 games in his rookie year last season due to a hamstring injury and averaged 3.6 points and 1.0 rebound during his limited time on the court.
Given that Hezonja was drafted by the previous Magic front office led by general manager Rob Hennigan, the current management team led by Jeff Weltman and John Hammond don’t have deep ties with the Croatian. That would make it somewhat easier for them to move on from the failed lottery pick than to try and make it work for one more year.
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