NBA Trade Rumors: How the Orlando Magic Trades Affect the East Playoff Landscape

Two weeks ago the Orlando Magic initiated two mega blockbuster deals that shook up it's roster for the better.

Orlando shipped Rashard Lewis and his humongous contract to Washington in return for a then-struggling Gilbert Arenas who has played well in his short time in the Magic Kingdom.

In the second trade the Magic acquired Jason Richardson, Hedo Turkoglu and Earl Clark from the Phoenix Suns in exchange for Vince Carter, Mickael Pietrus and Marcin Gortat.

Already the two trades have proven successful for the Magic in just the short time they've been in effect.

Since the deals went down on December 18 Orlando is 5-2 (5-1 with Arenas, Turkoglu, and Richardson).

Currently the Magic are on a five game winning streak including wins over the Spurs and Celtics at home.

Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the trade is Gilbert Arenas' play in his new city. Arenas has already lead the team in assists on more than one occasion and was the team's leading scorer in a win over Cleveland on December 28.

Arenas' playmaking ability is great for Orlando in more than one way as well because it allows guard Jameer Nelson to play off the ball where he can do more damage as a shooter and slasher.

Dwight Howard keeps the team anchored on defense and on the boards, while Turkoglu can provide a monumental mismatch in the pick and roll game as a 6'10" point forward.

The acquisition of Richardson now makes the Magic a threat in transition with the three-point shot as well as having another big guard to post up smaller opposition.

Basically, to make a long story short, the Orlando Magic are a better team after these two trades and now pose a significant threat to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference.

Orlando is currently fourth in the East but could easily finish with the best record as they only trail Boston by 4.5 games.

These two teams decided the conference a year ago and could likely represent the East's best again in 2011.

Miami has yet to prove themselves in the postseason and Orlando has the weapons to out man Boston's chemistry and defense.

The Eastern Conference playoff picture just got a little more cloudy after the Orlando deals and Boston's road to the Finals just got a little bumpier.

Patrick Clarke is a student at Towson University and a writing intern for Bleacher Report.