Orlando Magic Makes First Blockbuster Trade of the NBA Season

Arenas comes from the Washington Wizard via trade for the Magic’s sharpshooter Rashard Lewis.  Turkoglu and Richardson comes to the Magic from the Phoenix Suns also via a trade that sent former North Carolina Tar Heel high flyer Vince Carter, Michael Pietrus, and backup center Marcin Gortat out to the desert to play along side my favorite player Steve Nash.  The Magic also gave up a first round pick which shows how much they are committed to winning a NBA Title this season.

Gilbert Arenas if he can regain his form of three or four years ago, then the Magic will have an electric player with unlimited range; however it is a very big if.   Yesterday, I thought the Magic was only dealing for former Agent Zero and it did not look like a good trade; however with Turkoglu and Richardson added to the mix a good trade for the Magic.

Magic gave few quality players, but they added a lot of versatility by adding Turkoglu, and Richardson will provide the same skill set that Carter brought to the lineup. Richardson will form a good backcourt with Jameer Nelson.  Giving up Gortat, it may come back to bite them in their backside. Howard tends to get in foul trouble when he tries to block shots out of position and has no legitimate chance at blocking that will be a problem without a quality backup Center like Gortat.  Players acquired by the Magic are not known as good defensive players; therefore, it will put pressure on Howard.

Washington Wizard will get Rashard Lewis which is great pickup for them, because he would complement John Wall’s ability to get in the lane.  When defenses collapse on a driving Wall, Lewis should get more scoring opportunities on the wing.  Lewis is good player; however, he disappears when games are on the line. I based that on his poor play in the playoffs. He is an excellent shooter behind the three point line, but he must become a better clutch player.

Phoenix suns got older by adding Vince Carter who best days of playing are in his review. He can contribute, but the Suns with the trade shows they are committed to rebuilding this season. The biggest gain the Suns get will be Gortat. The Suns needed to fortify an inside presence, and Gortat will provide that along side Robin Lopez. Michael Pietrus will provide some quality scoring off the bench. 

Magic did not get better defensively, but there offensive got significantly better with the trade. Arenas, Turkoglu, and Richardson can all hit the three-ball that is significant part of the Magic’s game. Turkoglu versatility is a significant part of why the trade is or will be great for the Magic. It will be interesting to see if Orlando can finally get on track with the first blockbuster trade in the NBA this season.