The Orlando Magic could attempt to acquire Los Angeles Clippers point guard Eric Bledsoe prior to the 2013 NBA Draft next month, according to Chad Ford of ESPN.com. Such a move would allow the team to focus its draft efforts elsewhere, possibly at the wing positions.
NBA trade rumors: Magic showing interest in Eric Bledsoe, according to report
The Magic could pursue Clippers guard Eric Bledsoe in anticipation of adding a wing during next month’s draft.
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While the Magic may still be willing to select Michigan point guard Trey Burke with the No. 2 overall pick, trading for Bledsoe could allow the team to draft a wing like Ben McLemore of Kansas or Victor Oladipo of Indiana. Such a scenario would address both guard spots in Orlando’s backcourt for the long run.
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Orlando already has Arron Afflalo slated as the starting shooting guard going into next season, but Ford notes he could be a key part of any package heading back to Los Angeles. One possible deal suggested would swap Bledsoe and the expiring contract of swingman Caron Butler for Afflalo, who struggled in a lead offensive role with Orlando this season.
It's uncertain how much interest L.A. has in moving Bledsoe, particularly given the uncertainly revolving around Chris Paul. After the ousting of coach Vinny Del Negro, it's easy to see Paul returning to Los Angeles, but having Bledsoe around does give the franchise some leverage in the short-term.
Still, it's difficult to imagine Bledsoe's value getting much higher without a larger role on an NBA team, and that won't really happen with Paul around. If the Clippers decide to go all-in over the next few years with a core of Paul and Blake Griffin, a Bledsoe trade could be an ideal way of adding reinforcements.
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