Magic, Thunder & Rockets Emerge as Deadline Sellers

Tomorrow’s NBA Trade Deadline should feature a flurry of movement as teams attempt to position their respective rosters for a postseason push. On the opposite end of that spectrum: teams looking to move players for future assets. The Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets and Oklahoma City Thunder have emerged as the three teams that are most likely to sell off assets as Thursday’s deadline approaches.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Chris Mannix, the Magic are set on moving both Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier at the deadline.

The Magic are committed to moving both Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier before the deadline, several rival executives tell SI. Orlando’s asking price has been high, but the Magic, in free fall since late-February, are more focused on draft compensation than bringing back players who can help them win this season.

For the Rockets, Mannix explained that Houston is focused on moving Victor Oladipo after contract extension discussions deteriorated between the two sides.

It’s no longer a question of if Houston will move Victor Oladipo, but to who, with the Rockets motivated to move a player who is likely to exit via free agency this summer. The Knicks interest in Oladipo may be overblown, per league sources, and Miami is said to be lukewarm about packaging any of its young shooters (Tyler Herro, Duncan Robinson) in a deal for a player they could pursue via free agency. Houston, though, will move Oladipo somewhere before Friday.

Finally, Mannix explained that the asset-rich Thunder are fielding offers for George Hill and Al Horford.

Oklahoma City is open for business on George Hill and Al Horford, though there has not been any traction on deals for either. The Thunder have sought second round compensation for Hill, who has a partial guarantee for next season. Horford has played well for the Thunder, who as SI reported are not in a rush to move him, with Horford providing a stabilizing presence in the locker room and a stretch five on the floor.

You can check out the latest from Mannix at SI as tomorrow’s deadline approaches.