Orlando Magic trade rumor: Wizards tried to acquire Jameer Nelson at trade deadline, according to report

Prior to the NBA trade deadline on February 20th, the Washington Wizards "made several attempts" to acquire Orlando Magic point guard Jameer Nelson, reports John Denton of OrlandoMagic.com.

Instead of landing Nelson, however, Washington dealt for Andre Miller of the Denver Nuggets as part of a trade also involving the Philadelphia 76ers. From the Wizards, Denver received third-year forward Jan Veselý, while the Sixers obtained fifth-year point guard Eric Maynor.

Nelson would have offered the playoff-minded Wizards valuable experience and pick-and-roll ability heading into the stretch run, and certainly ranks as an upgrade over Maynor. The Wizards ought to be fine with Miller, who offers a similar set of skills with a lower salary and even more experience than Nelson, though his outside shooting and defense pale in comparison to those of Orlando's lead guard.

Nelson has spent his entire NBA career with the Magic and recently expressed a desire to retire in Orlando. He stands as the franchise's all-time leading assist man and ranks fourth in scoring.