Trading Mario Hezonja will likely be far more difficult for Orlando.
The Magic did not pick up his fourth-year team option, allowing him to become an unrestricted free agent this summer. Unless a team feels he can make an immediate impact for them, it is unlikely they will want to give anything up since he could walk for nothing in the summer.
The fan favorite has done wonders to rejuvenate his NBA career this season after a disappointing first two years in the league.
In 12 games as a starter, Hezonja is averaging 14.6 points and 5.2 rebounds. He is shooting 49.6 percent shooting and 41.5 percent from deep. But no matter how well he plays, the Magic’s mistake in not picking up his team option — something worth doing even if you do not want to retain a player long-term — will make Hezonja difficult to move at the deadline.