With the bulk of the Orlando Magic’s team that looked so promising the last few seasons gone via trade, ownership hopes that Gilbert Arenas, Jason Richardson, and former fan favorite Hedo Turkoglu will turn into wins and keep their superstar Dwight Howard happy for years to come.

 In two separate trades the Magic unloaded aging Vince Carter, overpaid Rashard Lewis, Marcin Gortat, Mickael Pietrus, and a first round draft pick next year.  So when they take the floor tonight against the Atlanta Hawks their lineup will look much different to say the least.

 It seems like owner Richard DeVos and General Manager Otis Smith are handling the Magic like a fantasy team, but let’s analyze the trade to see if it actually makes sense for the Magic.

1.)  Carter, Gortat and Pietrus to the Phoenix Suns for Richardson, Turkoglu and Earl Clarke.

Richardson is having a resurgent season averaging 19.3 points per game and shooting almost 42 percent from 3 point range, which is a must when you’re playing with Howard.  Richardson can play either the 2 or the 3 position, which is nice with the Arenas acquisition, and can take the ball to the basketball.  Turkoglu hasn’t been the same player since he left the Magic a year and a half ago.  He’s a terrific passing forward though, and may be able to take some of the load off Jameer Nelson.  Earl Clarke was more of a throw in than anything, but will probably be asked to play more minutes in the absence of Gortat.

Carter is in the wake of his career, his numbers have fallen, he’s lost a step, and doesn’t have the same hops he had when he was winning dunk contests and making YouTube highlights weekly.  Gortat was arguably the best back up center in the league and will definitely be missed relieving Howard from playing 40 plus minutes a game.  Pietrus was another key contributor off the Magic bench; a big guard who can defend and shoot a high percentage from the outside.

2.)    Lewis to the Washington Wizards for Arenas

Even though Arenas has an outrageous contract and a ton of baggage (hopefully none of them with guns though), he has started to look like the old Agent Zero, or the self proclaimed Hibachi, as of late.  He’s had a history of injuries, but still five years younger than Carter.  Lewis has never really lived up to the potential since he came to Orlando.  and has an equally ridiculous contract (but less years, that was the Wizards thinking).  He’s only shooting 36 percent from 3 this season and at 6 foot 10 never been a good rebounder.

After the trades, the Magic are a little younger, faster and smaller.  They have also lost some depth off the bench.  Can they win a championship with this team, only time will tell, but if Howard likes his new teammates that will be the only thing that matters.  It will be a good trade.