There of course were other factors involved as this was part of the bigger trade that sent C Andre Drummond to DEN for SF Josh Jackson as well as veteran C DeAndre Jordan and the DEN 2024 1st RD Pick.
This was the call and the major move made by the Orlando Magic prior to the CSL Trade Deadline.
With both Jordan (out for the remainder of the year), Favors (recovering from a broken wrist), and Orlando already without C Joel Embiid (who was still recovering from a broken foot), the Magic were once again in a tailspin as the season was coming to a close as they scrounged for another late season Playoff push.
With the season on the line, a healthy Favors finally returned to the lineup and has been performing at a very high level.
The soon to be Free Agent shows no signs of slowing down. And at 31 years of age, he very well knows he can't as he seeks what may be his final big payday.
Derrick Favors:
Why would I? I appreciate the trust Orlando has shown in trading for me to be a critical piece to uh, get us over the hump but we all know it's a business as well and I'm gonna continue to go out here and give it my all and I fully expect to be fully compensated for it.... I still feel the same (laughs), you guys act like 31 is too old to be playing sports...
PPG: 13 8 RPG: 10.8 (ORPG: 3.2) BPG: 2.2 SPG: 1.5 FG: .476 FT: .741 Record 5-5 (*9 of 10 game average as html is incorrect vs Toronto)
GM WillyJakkz stated that Orlando will do their best to retain Favors at all costs.
As a vital part of their championship aspirations, Orlando would be foolish to allow him to walk.