How This Trade Impacts Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic are a team people are keeping an eye on because they have an excellent trade chip in Terrence Ross. But, they could also look to move on from Mo Bamba if they do not believe he is part of their long-term plans.
The Magic signed Wendell Carter Jr. to a four-year, $50 million extension before the deadline at the beginning of the season. Bamba didn’t receive an extension, making him a restricted free agent this upcoming offseason.
If the team is willing to move on from Bamba, snagging a first-round pick in return for him would be a best-case scenario. The selection is likely to be outside of the lottery, but the team would have another chance to add a young player to their core for the future.
Given the amount of first-round picks they have compiled recently from other deals, the Magic would be in a good spot to either trade up for a prospect they are targeting or build a package for an established player to add to their young core.
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Nerlens Noel doesn’t have the upside that Bamba does, but he would provide steady performance as a defender and rim protector. The final season in his three-year deal is a team option, so Orlando could include him in trade offers as an expiring contract in the offseason should they want to move on from him.
The inclusion of a first-round pick would likely be enough for the Magic to make a deal involving Bamba, even if they are bringing back a player in Noel with a lower ceiling.
