Magic have "real interest" in Fred VanVleet before NBA trade deadline

The Orlando Magic are still on the outside looking in of thePlay-In Tournament in the Eastern Conference, but the franchise ison the rise. The team has already matched its 22-win total fromlast season and is only getting better behind the young core ofRookie-of-the-Year favorite Paolo Banchero and second-year wingFranz Wagner.

The Magic could be buyers before the Feb. 9 trade deadline andmultiple sources have told MattMoore of The Action Network that "there’s real interest fromthe Magic in Raptors point guard Fred VanVleet." The 28-year-oldveteran would bring some needed experience to the team as it looksto take its next step forward.

VanVleet is in the final year of his contract and has passed ona four-year, $114 million extension, the most Toronto can offer himbefore the offseason. He recently switched representation and thebelief is that he's looking to get a long-term deal that averagesbetween $30 million and $35 million per year.

Moore adds that former No. 3overall pick Jalen Suggs could be part of a deal along with draftcompensation. However, the under-performing Raptors have been verybusy leading up to the trade deadline, with teams around the leagueshowing interest in VanVleet along with Pascal Siakam, O.G. Anunobyand Gary Trent Jr.

Following a slow start to the season, VanVleet has picked up hisplay over the past few weeks. He is now averaging 19.7 points, 4.5rebounds and 6.5 assists while shooting 39.7% from the field and34.7% on three-pointers.