After years of rebuilding, the Orlando Magic have a batch of young NBA talent that is ready to start being competitive. Now, the task for the front office is bringing in pieces to complement them.
Led by Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, the Magic have one of the most promising young cores in the league. They ended the regular season in 13th place with a record of 34-48.
With there season being over, Orlando is gearing up for the offseason. Along with draft prep, they also have to keep their eyes peeled for possible trade targets. The people at Bleacher Report recently brought up one player each team should make a move for and picked Lonzo Ball for the Magic.
“The best version of Ball may never return, but that player would be ideal in Orlando. A two-passes-ahead connector who makes decisions quickly, Ball doesn’t need to run 15 pick-and-rolls per game to make his teammates better. He does that with hit-ahead outlets in transition, timely swing passes and a generally intuitive style that ensures cutters will be hit in stride. On D, he’s been one of the league’s more potent backcourt defenders and ball hawks.”
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls & Orlando Magic Updates
Before getting injured, Ball looked like one of the best utility players in the league. In the 35 games he played in 2021, he averaged 13.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, 5.1 assists, and 1.8 steals for the Chicago Bulls.
Since Orlando has two ball-dominant wings in Banchero and Franz Wagner, they need backcourt players who can be fluid. Ball fills that role of someone who can facilitate when needed but also is a spot-up threat from beyond the arc. During his last stint with the Bulls, Ball shot 42.3% from three on over seven attempts per game.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Lonzo Ball, Chicago Bulls & Orlando Magic Updates
At 25 years old, Ball’s best days might still be ahead of him. Trading for him would be a gamble, but one Orlando might be willing to roll the dice on. Because he’s an ideal fit, it might be worth waiting an extended period to get him on the court.
The Magic took their time with Markelle Fultz, and they are seeing the dividends of it. Maybe they’d be able to see similar results with Ball.
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