The Orlando Magic and Portland Trail Blazers may be discussing a trade which would send Jameer Nelson to Portland, with the 21st pick in the 2011 NBA Draft and Andre Miller coming to Orlando in return, according to Jonathan Givony of DraftExpress. The rumored swap of veteran point guards would appear to make sense for both sides for a few reasons, which I'll discuss in more depth if the trade happens.

A source I consulted could neither confirm nor deny Givony's report.

UPDATE (this paragraph only): Josh Robbins of the Orlando Sentinel, citing "an NBA source," says the rumor "is being overblown." Writes Robbins, "you'd be best-served to temper your expectations of it actually happening."

Miller, 35, is a veteran of five teams in 12 seasons known for his on-target passing, uncommonly good back-to-basket game, and limited shooting range. One can persuasively argue he's the best alley-oop passer in the game's history. His $7.8 million salary for the coming season, the last in the three-year contract he signed with Portland in 2009, becomes fully guaranteed June 29th. He averaged 12.7 points and 7 assists last season while shooting 46 percent from the floor.

Nelson has spent his entire seven-year career and earned one All-Star berth with the Magic. His lack of size and problems with consistency make him a popular target for derision among Magic fans, though on balance he is likely the team's second-best player behind Dwight Howard. He has two seasons, with the final one at his option, worth a combined $15.6 million remaining on his deal.

Otis Smith, the Magic's President of Basketball Operations, has a history of making big trades on Draft days. Two years ago, he sent Courtney Lee, who started for Orlando in the NBA Finals which ended just weeks before, as well as two expiring contracts to the New Jersey Nets for Vince Carter and Ryan Anderson.