With Reece Gaines unhappy and little used by the Magic, and Pike relegated to the Rockets' bench, maybe a change of scenery for both would be good. Pike is a 6-7 SG/SF and Gaines is a 6-6 PG/SG dripping with "p." Yes, Gaines has been a flop in Orlando but he comes from a strong Louisville program. He's young but he would fit on the pine just as well as Pike. Personally, I think we should use Pike, but, if not, why not have a backup point who is tall and talented and with all the time in the world to learn his craft?
Because Orlando is flailing right now. That team is in desperate need of talent surrounding TMac. Gaines is young and by your own account has a lot of "potential". Eric Piatkowski is older, more expensive, and they already have a younger version of him in Giricek. Plenty of reason for us to do this, not much for them.
I would not be opposed to trading Padgett (sign an extension to match Gaines' salary) or Griffin for him either. However, I make the stipulation that we surrender only an end of the bench player the Magic could use.
I don't remember where but I read the other day I read that Orlando is looking to move Gaines. I think it is way to early to give up on the guy yet. I don't see why they would want to get rid of him.
I think it may have been another thread. A trade rumor about a bench warmer won't sell too many papers. But if it's true, I'd take a (cheap) flyer on a 6-6 PG.
I think Gaines' agent asked for a trade. The view on RealGM's Magic board is that he's more of a 2-guard than a point. Could be an option as a combo guard, but probably isn't the point we're looking for.
I liked Gaines a lot in college. I think his problem in the NBA is that he's just not excessively quick or athletic.
I think Gaines could be a good fit here, but his agent wants him traded so he can get more PT. Houston is not likely to be a destination he favors. From the Orlando Sentinel: "rookie point guard Reece Gaines' agent stopped just short of asking for [a trade] on his client's behalf. Gaines has played sparingly after the Magic chose him in the first round of the NBA draft in June. The club has four players who can play point guard: Gaines, starter Tyronn Lue and veterans Rod Strickland and Shammond Williams. Andy Miller, Gaines' agent, is unsure whether the rookie has a future in Orlando." More likely is a trade involving Gordan Giricek for either DeShawn Stevenson or Marcus Fizer (if they more Juwon Howard, possibly for Michael Olowokandi), Again, from the Sentinel: "the Magic [are still] pursuing possible deals for Philadelphia 76ers point guard Eric Snow, Chicago Bulls forward Marcus Fizer, and centers Michael Olowokandi of Minnesota and Erick Dampier of the Golden State Warriors. The Magic, who have the league's worst record at 14-42, [are] offering Drew Gooden, along with Giricek and Tyronn Lue to the Warriors for Dampier, who can become a free agent this summer. They continued to talk with the Timberwolves about a trade that included Juwan Howard for Olowokandi."
Gaines was the player I wanted the most in last year's draft if Houston had a first round pick. He was able to score and run an offense at Louisville. Also he played and thrived with Pittino, so he would have no problem playing with JVG. Maybe a second round pick and the trade exception could get it done.
