5 Possible Trade Destinations For Isaiah Thomas

3. Orlando Magic

The Trade:

The Magic have Elfrid Payton, but he’s still only 20 years old and if Orlando plans on taking the next step forward next season, Isaiah Thomas would be a major upgrade until Payton proves he can make a shot outside of 12 feet.

Since that day is still on the horizon, the Magic might want to unload what’s left of Channing Frye‘s inflated four-year, $32 million deal they signed him to last summer. In return, they’d be getting a starting-caliber point guard on a very cost-efficient contract.

Frye’s contract seems like a bit much for the Suns to take on, but it’s only an increase of $3 million over three years compared to what they were paying for IT’s services. What better way to appease a fan favorite than bringing back another fan favorite?

This seems like the ultimate addition by subtraction deal, but clearing the backcourt logjam isn’t the only good it accomplishes. Remember, the Suns wanted to re-sign Frye last summer before Orlando swooped in with their bloated offer. Frye would’ve been a fool to turn down that kind of money at age 31, but he’s been nowhere near as effective since joining the Magic.

Why? Again, because Payton can’t shoot. Without a point guard who is a threat out of pick and pops, defenses have been able to overplay Frye popping out to the three-point line. In Phoenix, as we saw many times last year, that wouldn’t be an issue.

This deal would basically revert the Suns back to the 48-win team from 2013-14, only with a vastly improved Eric Bledsoe, Markieff Morris and Alex Len. I’d say that kind of team is capable of making the playoffs, and wouldn’t it speak volumes about how many the organization wants to repair its relationship with Dragic?

Next: Suns Heating Up