They tried to trade D'Angelo for a top 10 pick right as Paul George announced he wanted out and preferred Lakers. This deal didn't involve Mozgov or Deng.
You do understand it's not necessary to clear out a roster spot a whole year ahead
, at worst they could have made the deal this summer and got Lebron.
Magic thought he was going to get Paul George and that Pacers had no other options since PG made it clear to the whole world he wanted to be on the Lakers. That is why he was so comfortable trading D'Angelo because he thought Pacers would agree to Clarkson, Randle, and 1st for PG. In return, he was able to clear space as well, get a decent center too.
His initial decision to trade D'Angelo had to 100% do with him thinking he was getting Paul George, not saying I have to trade Mozgov contract NOW because Lebron is coming a whole ONE YEAR AFTER.
They signed KCP late FA to a 17 mil deal because they had no SG (he thought he was getting PG).
Please don't try to talk about things YOU have no idea about