The Magic have made calls to multiple teams to explore the possibility of trading veteran point guard Tyus Jones in exchange for some second-round draft capital, reports Jake Fischer of The Stein Line (Substack link).
Jones, 29, signed a one-year, $7MM contract with Orlando over the summer but has played a limited role with the team and is performing well below his usual standard. He has averaged 3.2 points and 2.4 assists in 16.5 minutes per game across 40 outings (eight starts), while making just 35.3% of his shots from the floor, including 29.5% from beyond the three-point line.
The Magic are currently operating about $5.6MM above the luxury tax line and may be motivated to duck out of tax territory at this season’s deadline. Their roster will only get more expensive beginning in 2026/27 when Paolo Banchero‘s maximum-salary rookie scale extension takes effect, so avoiding the tax this season would postpone the repeater clock for another year.
Here are several more items of interest shared by Fischer from around the Eastern Conference:
- While the Pistons still aren’t looking to make a major in-season deal, they’ve gauged Jaden Ivey‘s value on the trade market, per Fischer. The former fifth overall pick has played a reduced role (16.9 MPG) this season in his return from a major leg injury and will be eligible for restricted free agency at season’s end.
- As the Pacers continue to scour the trade market for a long-term answer at the center spot, Hawks big man Onyeka Okongwu is among the players they’ve inquired about, Fischer writes. There’s no indication that Atlanta engaged in discussions involving Okongwu, who is averaging a career-high 16.0 points and 31.9 minutes per game.
- Rivals view the Raptors as one of the teams most interested in making a significant in-season move, according to Fischer, who notes that Toronto was the only team besides Washington with real interest in Trae Young. The Raptors have also been connected repeatedly to Anthony Davis and Domantas Sabonis, and Fischer suggests they’re a potential suitor worth watching for Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant.
- The Sixers and Grizzlies had some trade conversations in mid-December, Fischer says, clarifying that those discussions didn’t involve Morant. Based on “recent synergy” between them, Philadelphia and Memphis could end up being involved in the same transaction if either club needs help from a third team to facilitate a deal, Fischer notes.
I think Raptors want to rectify the terrible IQ contract handed out by Masai.
Bobby Webster was the GM. He was probably more responsible for the contract.
Hope the Sixers were talking about GG Jackson that’d be a dope addition.
He’s young and raw but when given the opportunity he’s been solid. We kinda lack forwards with athleticism and toughness so that would be awesome
Okongwu is an interesting player
Too talented and skilled to be labeled the dreadful sports Deathwish of “tweener” but…….. he’s kind of a tweener
If he could just learn to shoot better you’d forgive all the other misgivings, as is, he’s more a quagmire today
I suppose he could be Al’s imaginary unicorn to play next to KAT
He is shooting 36% from the 3 this year, which isn’t bad for his size and is better than Trae. Even his career 3p% is sitting in the same realm as Trae.
Problem is, the new Hawks like to drive and dish to cutters as compared to screen and pop under Trae. That means Okongwu has to position further out to allow for lane space for those drive and cut guys. Him staying out of the paint also limits big guys from other teams being able to defend those drivers and cutters.
The Hawks really need a D first center who just sits on the perimeter for easy 3’s. Porzingis would work, if he could stay on the court. If the Hawks can get the D first center who won’t plug the lane on the offensive end, then they should absolutely consider moving Okongwu while his value is at his highest (at least to this point in his young career).
Agree, well said
He def needs a partner in crime especially on D
Time’s Atl’s friend tho today