Mo Bamba – Orlando Magic
This is going to sound a little contradictory given that we just said that the Thunder should not pursue Obi Toppin due to the fact that they can build their frontcourt of the future through the draft, but Oklahoma City should definitely consider trading for Mo Bamba.
The Magic are rebuilding like the Thunder, but the thing for them is that they seem to already have their frontcourt solidified. Wendell Carter Jr. is under contract long-term and when Jonathan Isaac returns from injury, he will be taking Bamba’s place in the starting unit.
In the final year of his rookie contract, Mo Bamba is having a career-year, averaging 10.8 points, 9.4 rebounds, 1.8 blocks and is shooting 32.8% from three-point range.
It is unlikely that Orlando will look to trade him, but do they really want to pay him this upcoming offseason?
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Given how well he has played so far this season, Mo Bamba could realistically receive a three or four-year offer from another team worth anywhere from $11M-$15M per year.
The need for centers across the league is thin right now, but the Magic run the risk of losing him in the offseason, similar to how the Hornets run the risk of losing Bridges.
Orlando may not be willing to take this risk, which is why they could be interested in a swap of young talents and draft picks with the Thunder. Who Oklahoma City would be willing to give up for Bamba is a key question that could decide the fate of this trade, but Bamba is worth the investment of a first-round draft pick in 2022.
He can shoot from the perimeter, score over anyone in the low-post, be a double-double type big man and can block virtually anybody’s shot, so why wouldn’t the Thunder want Mo Bamba to be their “center of the future?”
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Oklahoma City has a big need for a center right now and at 23-years-old, Mo Bamba is certainly a player they can build with next to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort, Darius Bazley and Josh Giddey for the foreseeable future.
Verdict: Pursue
