Report: Arron Afflalo would be open to trade, could be in play ahead of draft

There's a reason that Kendrick Lamar spoke of his jealousy towards Arron Afflalo in the past tense. And it's not because Lamar has achieved success of his own, but rather, that he wouldn't want to be stuck in a rebuilding situation, two years removed from his last playoff appearance.

It shouldn't be surprising that Afflalo himself would rather be playing somewhere that games matter a little more, as he expressed to the Orlando Sentinel this week.

From the report:

Orlando's classy leading scorer wouldn't mind being moved to a playoff team. The clock is ticking loudly on his career as he'll turn 29 in October.

The Magic can select a point guard at No. 4 this month, perhaps a signal that Victor Oladipo would move to Arron's position full-time. Afflalo could be in play at the June 26 draft. Chicago, Charlotte, Phoenix and Oklahoma City could use two-guards and have multiple first-round picks.

The Magic could deal him at the February trade deadline, the way they did J.J. Redick, in 2013.

When the Orlando Magic held on to Afflalo through the trade deadline, it was generally assumed that the team would revisit potential deals ahead of the June 26 draft. The Magic are rebuilding and Afflalo should have value on the market as a productive veteran on a decent contract.

What Orlando may be looking for, however, is unclear - they already have two lottery picks, so another draft pick alone may not be enticing enough. It's possible they would want a talented young player who is a little more established to pair alongside the promising Victor Oladipo, who could move to his more natural shooting guard if Afflalo is dealt.

For Afflalo's part, teams should be lining up. He's still just 28 and has only two years and $15.7 million left on his contract (the second year of which is a player option), coming off of a career year in which he averaged 18.2 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.4 assists while shooting 42.7 percent from long range.

Teams in need of shooting or help on the wing, like Charlotte, for example, should be champing at the bit for an asset that may not command a terrific return.

[Dap EOB]