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.