Hoops Nation

Will the Orlando Magic’s No. 2 option join their franchise player on the trading block?

With trade rumors continuing to swirl around All-Star center Dwight Howard, an unexpected development on Sunday: Magic forward Ryan Anderson could be moved in a sign-and-trade scenario, according to Yahoo Sports. His destination and the return package are not yet clear. Anderson is a restricted free agent after the Magic issued him a qualifying offer back in June.

Anderson, 24, had a career year in 2011-12, averaging 16.1 points and 7.7 rebounds while shooting 39.3 percent from deep. He’s a classic “stretch 4″ with deep range and he’s emerged as a very productive player after moving into a full-time starting role this last season. The 2012 Most Improved Player award winner was ranked No. 8 on the CBSSports.com Top 40 free agents of the Class of 2012.

The Magic, of course, are in “clean house” mode under new GM Rob Hennigan, who was hired back in June. Hennigan has fired a number of executives and scouts, worked the phones on Howard trade scenarios and is surely looking to get his franchise to a better position cap-wise to aid in an expected rebuilding effort.

(Via CBSSports)