Two seasons with the Orlando Magic has been more than enough for Arron Afflalo as he Already he has his sites set on a new team.
According to the Orlando Sentinel, Afflalo “wouldn’t mind be moved to a playoff team.” He’s going to turn 29 this season, and sees an opportunity to be dealt during this upcoming NBA draft.
Orlando’s classy leading scorer wouldn’t mind being moved to a playoff team. The clock is ticking loudly on his career as he’ll turn 29 in October.
The Magic can select a point guard at No. 4 this month, perhaps a signal that Victor Oladipo would move to Arron’s position full-time. Afflalo could be in play at the June 26 draft. Chicago, Charlotte, Phoenix and Oklahoma City could use two-guards and have multiple first-round picks. The Magic could deal him at the February trade deadline, the way they did J.J. Redick, in 2013.
Afflalo is one of the NBA’s best bargains, scheduled to earn $7.5 million next season.
Afflalo, who will turn 29 this season, holds a player option for the 2015-16 season and can become a free agent after then. Afflalo led the Magic in scoring last season, averaging a career-high 18.2 points, 3.4 assists and 3.6 rebounds per game, while shooting better than 47 percent from the floor.
Afflalo was a part of perennial playoff teams during his time with the Denver Nuggets, but hasn’t been close to the postseason since relocating to Orlando. The Magic aren’t even close to being an Eastern Conference contender, and Afflalo wants a ticket out of town.
Reports indicate that the Magic will add a backcourt player with the fourth overall pick in the NBA draft, meaning Afflalo could be expendable.
Afflalo has two years left on his contract and is set to earn $7.5 million each year. With that kind of deal, teams should have an interest in him. Two teams that have been linked to Afflalo: the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State Warriors.
Oklahoma City is expected to pursue shooters this offseason, and Afflalo was one of the low-cost options the team could try and trade for.
Golden State is eyeing Afflalo to potentially replace Klay Thompson, who may be commanded in a potential Kevin Love deal. However, the team is also considering Afflalo in a deal to help bring Carmelo Anthony to town.
