NBA Rumors: Orlando Magic Big Man A "Trade Candidate To Watch"

Some eyebrows were raised this past offseason when the Orlando Magic re-signed 7-foot center Mo Bamba to a two-year extension. Now it appears, as noted by Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, that they may have signed him just to trade him. 

Bamba is a "trade candidate to watch" according to Pincus, though he can't be dealt until Jan. 15th. He signed a 2-year, $20.6M contract, but the second year is not guaranteed. 

At 9-20, the Magic have one of the worst records in the NBA, and they'll likely be looking for young pieces who fit their rebuild timeline, along with 2022 No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero and young breakthrough big man Bol Bol. 

The Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors are mentioned as potential trade candidates for Bamba.

The No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 Draft has seen his minutes diminish this season due to the emergence of Bol and the ready-for-prime time Banchero. Bamba is averaging just 18.7 minutes a game (down seven minutes from last season), with 8.5 points per game and 5.2 rebounds. His 3-point shooting, however, remains superb for the second straight season, at 38.8%.

There will definitely be plenty of interest for Bamba on the trade market as we head to the Feb. 9th trade deadline.

Photo: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports