Orlando Magic Gambling With Talent That May Not Fit

Filed under: Magic, Suns, Wizards, NBA Transactions

ORLANDO -- This wasn't about finding pieces that fit -- because these really don't fit very well. This was about getting more players good enough to win an NBA title, and getting rid of those who had grown a little too comfortable.

It clearly was a gamble, a bold move, but a risky one for a franchise desperate to win a championship now.

When a 15-4 start became a 16-9 record, they didn't waste any time clearing the deck.

Magic general manager Otis Smith (photo, right) put his reputation -- and the team's future -- on the line Saturday when he orchestrated a surprising, two-trade day, a move that could push the Magic back toward the top of the NBA, or backfire so badly it will cost him his job.

"We have a window (to win a championship) . We're in that window now,'' Smith said. "Our ownership believes in that window. It's our job to make it happen.''

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