Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Of course, the Magic may pass on this. The front office could see their own avenue towards adding a top-end prospect in the 2023 NBA draft.
At the same time, there’s a downside to halting a young team’s progress. These Magic may be ready to ball. Banchero looks like an NBA-ready rookie, and Wagner looked poised to take a step forward in Euroleague play this summer.
Arguably, it’s time to think about winning in Disney. Even after acquiring LaVine, the Magic won’t be NBA champions. This group is too young to entertain such notions. At the same time, they’ll have a level of talent that rivals any team in the league.
The hope here is that Banchero, Wagner, and others hit their primes before LaVine ages out of his. Given that he’s only 27, that feels like a distinct possibility.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Zach LaVine, Chicago Bulls & Orlando Magic Updates
If that’s how the situation shakes out in Orlando, who knows? The Magic may be glad they weren’t too patient in hindsight.