NBA Trade Rumors: Chris Paul, Kyle Lowry 'Kicked Around' by Magic as Deadline Options

Looking to capitalize on their success so far this season, the Orlando Magic are scouring the market for point guards ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

Per The Action Network's Matt Moore, Chris Paul and Kyle Lowry are the latest options the Magic have "kicked around" leading up to Feb. 8.

The Magic have been looking for a viable starting point guard for years. Markelle Fultz and Cole Anthony have done well at times in a limited role, but their flaws get exposed when they've been asked to carry a heavier load.

Paolo Banchero has taken on a bigger role in the offense this season. He's been their primary ball-handler and leads the team with 5.0 assists per game.

The lack of a viable starting point guard is one of the main reasons Orlando has a bottom-seven offense by points per game and rating this season. Another problem they've had is a lack of shooters. Their 10.8 three-pointers made per game ranks last in the NBA on the second-fewest attempts per contest (34.4).

For all of the issues the Magic have scoring points, they are squarely in the playoff mix in the Eastern Conference on the strength of an elite defense. They rank in the top five in points allowed per game (110.8) and defensive rating (112.0).

Paul and Lowry would potentially be low-cost upgrades for the Magic. Paul has a $30.8 million salary this season and a $15.8 million partial guarantee for next season. He's still recovering from hand surgery last month that's expected to keep him out for four to six weeks.

The 12-time All-Star has averaged 8.9 points and 7.2 assists per game in 32 appearances for the Warriors.

Lowry was traded to the Charlotte Hornets on Jan. 23 in the deal that sent Terry Rozier to the Miami Heat. He hasn't appeared in a game since the trade and could receive a buyout, but the Hornets are going to explore potential deals before going down that road.

In 37 games with the Heat, Lowry averaged 8.2 points and 4.0 assists per contest.

The Magic (26-23) are tied for first place in the Southwest Division with the Heat. They are currently the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference but are only one game back in the win column of the Indiana Pacers for the sixth seed.