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The Orlando Magic's interest in selecting shooting-guard prospects Ben McLemore and Victor Oladipo in the NBA Draft could indicate that the team is looking to trade Arron Afflalo, its current starter at the position, according to Chad Ford of ESPN Insider. Further, the Magic, who own the second overall pick in June's Draft, are not "sold" on Michigan point guard Trey Burke "as the second-best player" available.
To that end, Ford says, citing sources, Orlando has explored the possibility of acquiring Eric Bledsoe from the Los Angeles Clippers. The Magic "have a lot of interest" in the 23-year-old, whom L.A. selected with the 18th overall pick in the 2010 Draft. Trading for Bledsoe would enable the Magic to upgrade their point-guard rotation, and if they included Afflalo in the deal, they'd also be able to free minutes for a rookie shooting guard like McLemore or Oladipo.
One scenario Ford suggests involves trading Afflalo to the Clippers for Bledsoe and the expiring contract of Caron Butler, though it's unclear if that possibility is one that Orlando has discussed internally or if it's merely speculation.
Bledsoe averaged 8.5 points, three rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.4 steals in his third NBA campaign. In 12 starts in relief of Chris Paul, he increased those averages to 14.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.5 steals.
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