5 complementary pieces the Philadelphia 76ers can still target via trade

4. Terrence Ross, Orlando Magic

Through 22 games, the Magic look like borderline playoff contenders. It might not last, but Nikola Vucevic is a bona fide All-Star candidate, Aaron Gordon has flashes of brilliance, and Steve Clifford deserves credit.

With all that said, 10-12 isn’t great. If the Magic get to the playoffs, it probably doesn’t end well. The front office should still prioritize long-term moves, which is why trading for Markelle Fultz makes sense. Terrence Ross‘ salary fits the bill.

On an expiring contract, Ross gives the Sixers another playable, floor-spacing wing. He’s a jolt of energy, scoring buckets in bunches and filling an obvious need in Brett Brown’s rotation. It was Ross who hit the game-winner in Jimmy Butler’s Sixers debut.

While hanging onto Fultz makes some sense, he’s also an expensive asset with potentially chronic injuries. The former No. 1 pick is on the books for over $9 million next season, and offloading him gets the Sixers close to an open max contract slot in free agency.

The Magic get another point guard with more long-term upside than D.J. Augustin, whose agent happens to be Raymond Brothers. Add in Jerian Grant (another Brothers representee), and the No. 1 pick’s agent has an entire point guard rotation.

Orlando will almost certainly get to keep a top-20 protected pick, which can roll over until it becomes two second-round picks (or, in the future, a late first-round pick). Fultz still has innate talent and an excellent attitude. Perhaps a change of scenery, with less media attention, helps.