Detroit Pistons Receive: G R.J. Hampton, ORL 2021 1st Round Pick (Pick #5), CHI 2021 1st Round Pick (Pick #8), ORL 2021 2nd Round Pick (Pick #33)
Orlando Magic Receive: DET 2021 1st Round Pick (Pick #1)
The Magic trading up to grab the #1 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft is definitely a possibility and they definitely have assets to deal in order to make this happen. Everyone under contract for next season besides Terrence Ross is under 30-years-old and Orlando has nine draft pick over the next three years that they could look to leverage.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam
Obviously, if the Magic were to trade up this year, they would have to give up the 5th and 8th picks, as well as the 33rd pick in the 2021 NBA Draft, which could possibly be viewed as a late first-round acquisition depending on if talent falls out of the first-round.
Realistically, this trade proposal features three first-round picks and an early second-round pick this year because R.J. Hampton was just drafted 24th overall this past year. He came over to Orlando after Aaron Gordon was traded to Denver and Hampton played quite well, averaging 11.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and shooting 43.9% from the floor in 26 games with the Magic.
Detroit could use some help, especially at the shooting guard position, which is why adding a young, athletic and versatile guard like R.J. Hampton would make sense for them. Not to mention, adding two Top-10 picks gives them even more young talent to build with next to Jerami Grant.
READ MORE: Predictions for NBA Trade Rumors: Beal, Lillard, McCollum, Porzingis & Siakam
The Magic are definitely a team to keep an eye on leading up to the draft because they are looking for ways to improve rather quickly. They are going to take their time in player development and making the right decisions to ensure future success, but Orlando needs a new “face of the franchise” and they can get that by trading up for the #1 overall pick.
With this said, let’s take a look at this deal from both team’s perspectives and see if a potential trade involving the first overall pick between the Detroit Pistons and Orlando Magic makes sense.
