NBA Trade Deadline: Orlando Magic Unlikely to Make a Trade, Says Source

The Orlando Magic are still unlikely to make a deal before Thursday's 3 PM NBA trade deadline, according to a source who spoke to Orlando Pinstriped Post. Orlando, which already made two dramatic deals this season, probably needs another backup big man prior to the playoffs in order to strengthen its rotation against deeper teams. However, those earlier trades cost the Magic, in Marcin Gortat and their 2011 first-round draft pick, their best trade assets.

The Magic could still add to their roster after the deadline via free agency, especially when the pool expands to include players whose teams have bought out their contracts. The most prominent name linked to Orlando in this scenario is that of New Jersey Nets power forward Troy Murphy, who's surfaced in multiple reports over the last month. In the latest one, Sam Smith says rival executives expect Murphy to sign with Orlando if he is bought out.

Obviously, the situation is fluid and could change at any moment. In 2009, Orlando landed Rafer Alston just before the deadline despite remaining quiet in the days leading up to it. Alston started at point guard for the injured Jameer Nelson, then an All-Star, and helped propel Orlando to the second NBA Finals appearance in franchise history.