The Orlando Magic set out to receive multiple draft picks and young talent in any trade involving Dwight Howard. If this proposed four-way deal involving the Los Angeles Lakers, Philadelphia 76ers and Denver Nuggets goes through as is, they'll certainly receive draft picks. The jury is still out on whether they got much young talent.
Dwight Howard Trade: Orlando Magic Expected To Receive Arron Afflalo, Draft Picks
Under the current parameters of the trade, the Magic will receive Arron Afflalo, Al Harrington, Nikola Vucevic, Maurice Harkless and one draft pick from each of the other three teams. They also accomplished their goal of offloading one of their big contracts, sending Jason Richardson, owed nearly $19 million over the next three years, to the 76ers.
However, both Afflalo and Harrington have similarly-structured deals. Afflalo has four years and $31 million left on his contract while Harrington has three years and $21 million left. It’s worth noting that Afflalo’s last year is a player option while Harrington’s final two seasons are only 50-percent guaranteed, according to Sham Sports.
Still, at first glance, this is an odd trade for Orlando. Those three draft picks are likely middle-of-the-pack selections, they actually add long-term salary by taking on Afflalo (though very productive) and Harrington, and Harkless appears to be the best young player coming back. If this is the final deal, one has to wonder if the Houston Rockets, with their assortment of young assets and draft picks, may have been a better trade partner for Orlando.
For more on these teams, visit SB Nation blogs Orlando Pinstriped Post, Silver Screen and Roll, Denver Stiffs and Liberty Ballers.
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