Orlando Magic Trades Could Make Them Legitimate NBA Finals Contenders

The Orlando Magic have completed a major day of wheeling and dealing, and despite the number of premier players on the move to their new destinations, the Magic's new acquisitions could propel them back into NBA Finals contention.

To quickly summarize the situation, the Magic will acquire disgruntled Wizards PG/SG Gilbert Arenas and send three point sharpshooter Rashard Lewis to Washington.

In addition to the aforementioned trade, the Magic will also send Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and backup center Marcin Gortat to the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Jason Richardson, Earl Clark and Hedo Turkoglu.

These acquisitions were smart decisions by Orlando as now they will have a consistent three point threat as well as one of the deepest benches in the NBA—as they will now have Clark, a very underrated player during his tenure with the Suns in addition to proven athletes such as Jason Richardson and Gilbert Arenas. 

Arenas, despite his reputation of being less than content with his role on the Wizards, has had a relatively quiet season in terms of distractions. Now, with Arenas more than likely becoming a key contributor on an excellent NBA team in the Magic, his name should not be synonymous with controversy as much as before.

The Orlando Magic have been overshadowed as a result of the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks and the Miami Heat's success, but Orlando has a decent team with their new acquisitions and could be in the mix as NBA Finals contenders.

Frankly, I do not see the Magic hoisting the Larry O' Brien Trophy come June but they have an excellent front court and a good cornerstone to build around for the future with the timely acquisitions, and all Orlando Magic fans should be optimistic of things to come.