Lakers, Jazz’s ‘Natural’ Suitors to Terrence Ross?
The Orlando Magic aren’t going to make an effort for the NBA playoffs this year, as they currently have the league’s worst record at 9-39. They are the last remaining team without double-digit wins this season, as the early stages of their rebuild are having a lot of growing pains.
Despite the record, the Magic are a team people will be watching ahead of the NBA’s trade deadline in just over two weeks. They could help change the image of the playoffs because they have veterans that they will make available in a trade.
One of those veterans is winger Terrence Ross. Ross has struggled with his jumper this season, making a career-low 31% of his 3-point attempts. But, he’s still averaging 11.7 points per game thanks to his 2-point shooting percentage, which is the second-highest of his career at 48.6%. His 86.7% from the foul line is also strong, so there’s hope he can knock it down from the 3-point line.
The offseason behind the arc won’t deter teams from inquiring about the trade for him. Ross has a long history as a top sixth man and despite the shooting issues he still scores the ball well.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMOR: This Lakers-Magic trade involves Terrence Ross in Los Angeles
As well as scoring, Ross has become more of an enabler in recent seasons. After averaging 2.3 career assists last season, he is averaging 2.1 as he continues to round out his offensive game. His advanced assist stats are nearly identical to last season.
Although he is known for his offense, Ross is 6’6″, possessing the excellent height and physical tools at the shooting guard position. He can help a team with his defensive length, which makes him a commercial target so attractive for the competing teams.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMOR: This Lakers-Magic trade involves Terrence Ross in Los Angeles
According to Marc Stein on his substack, which requires a paid subscription, two teams are considered natural contenders for Ross; the Los Angeles Lakers and Utah Jazz.
Some teams see Ross as a natural target for the Los Angeles Lakers or the Utah Jazz – both known to be looking for a defensive-minded winger but with limited trade assets to make a trade impact in the next 17 days.
The Los Angeles Lakers need all the help they can get. Adding more shots and completing their rotation is the goal before the trade deadline, but their assets are limited in achieving that. Talen Horton-Tucker, Kendrick Nunn and a future first-round pick are about the best they can do.
LATEST NBA NEWS AND TRADE RUMOR: This Lakers-Magic trade involves Terrence Ross in Los Angeles
As for Utah, their interest in Ross is a bit peculiar. They’re looking for a defensive-minded winger to slot into their starting lineup, which doesn’t quite fit Ross’ description. With Jordan Clarkson already locked in as the sixth man on the bench, acquiring Ross might feel a bit redundant.
Utah Jazz are trying to wrap up Joe Ingles’ expiring deal with a future first-round pick and see what they can get. There are plenty of rebuild teams that would be interested in such a package, as they can add more project capital and free up some cash from their books in the process.
