Could Grant Hill Help the Magic?

Some big fish have made the trade rumor chum bucket this week, but (the excellent) Third Quarter Collapse points out an earnest offering by Brian Schmitz of the Orlando Sentinel. Schmitz said there's interest from the Magic in reacquiring Grant Hill.

Hill, who has one home in Orlando and is renovating another, would embrace a reunion despite feeling the Magic didn't try to keep him after his star-crossed seven-year career ended in 2007. He signed a two-year contract with the Phoenix Suns.

The Magic could trade, say, J.J. Redick for Hill in a transaction that might make sense for both sides.

Schmitz goes a long way to insinuate he has gotten this rumor from primary sources, which makes a whole lotta sense from Hill's angle. The Suns have signed Matt Barnes and traded for Jason Richardson in the past six months. Even though Steve Kerr's the cat who brought Hill to town, it's clear the front office thinks improved swingman play is needed.

The real question is whether the Magic need or could use Hill. Mickael Pietrus shouldn't be too far away from a return from injury, and M.P. produced at a terrific rate early on. Would Hill fall into a sixth man role at some point? As 3QC argues, Hill hardly fits Stan Van Gundy's current wing mold, as Grant isn't a great deep shooter. But some shot creation off the bench would be welcomed -- perhaps Hill could serve as the de facto back-up to Jameer Nelson.

As for Redick in Phoenix? Well, only Shaq can make NBA fans love the kid.