NBA Trade Rumors - Jameer Nelson For First Round Pick Offered By Orlando Magic; Former All-Star Point Guard Could Help Contender

The usual trend in the NBA is trading the present for the future. For young Orlando Magic GM Rob Hennigan, that's exactly his idea for Jameer Nelson.

As reported in ESPN, Nelson is being actively shopped:

"The Magic, according to the latest rumbles, would surrender Nelson today if offered a future first-round pick for him. Orlando GM Rob Hennigan continues to chase draft picks and young assets above all else as he remakes the Magic."

Jameer Nelson is already a veteran, and has actually reached All-Star Level. While playing with Dwight Howard, he made his first All-Star Game as a reserve. That was the crowning achievement of his career. This season, his averages are 12 points and around 6 assists. He is considered an average starting point guard, but he can be a great reserve for a contender.

Jameer Nelson can make a difference for teams like the Indiana Pacers or even a back-up to Chris Paul with the Los Angeles Clippers. However, Hennigan has made it clear that he is looking for more balls to win the draft lottery.

To do so, he needs to trade Jameer Nelson to a team at that will not make the playoffs this year. Teams at the bottom who need a starting veteran guard are the Sacramento Kings, the Utah Jazz (so he can mentor rookie Trey Burke) or the Phoenix Suns (moving Bledsoe or Dragic to the off-guard spot).

However, a big stumbling block to this plan is that lottery teams are unlikely to part with their precious first round pick. Even teams who will likely finish outside the lottery would feel that they can get a player better than Jameer Nelson in a deep and talented draft. There are also a lot of quality point guards in the league, and Nelson is undersized.

They may need to add other assets (like Aaron Afflalo) and take someone in return.