One NBA writer believes the Orlando Magic will make a blockbuster trade this summer.
Dan Favale of Bleacher Report predicted that the Magic, who haven’t made the playoffs since 2020, will swing an aggressive win-now trade. The team is loaded with young players and draft assets — including the 6th and 11th picks in the 2023 NBA Draft.
“The Orlando Magic remain ridiculously young,” Favale wrote. “Paolo Banchero (21) and Franz Wagner (22), their two most important players, will both be under the age of 22 when next season tips off. Jalen Suggs turns 22 in June. (Related: I hope you didn’t sell any Jalen Suggs stock.) Wendell Carter Jr. is only 24. Cole Anthony is 23. Markelle Fultz just celebrated his 25th birthday. Orlando will add two more lottery picks (No. 6 and No. 11) to this core.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paolo Banchero & Orlando Magic Updates
There are benefits to the Magic being patient as opposed to making such a trade, but they may already be ready to take a significant step forward if they choose to do so. The team had rapidly improved on defense throughout last season.
“Slow-playing it is reasonable. So is speeding things up. This team is closer to arrival than the age and experience of its nucleus suggests. The Magic played over .500 basketball for more than half of the season, going 29-24 after starting the year 5-20 before closing out the schedule on a four-game losing streak. Their defense also ranked 11th in points allowed per possession. Infusing the rotation with a proven offensive organizer, scorer, floor-spacer, whatever will go a looong way.”
The Magic won 34 games this season. They have a talented young core headlined by Paolo Banchero, Markelle Fultz, Bol Bol, Franz Wagner, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr., Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Paolo Banchero & Orlando Magic Updates
If Orlando can acquire an All-Star this summer, the team could make some serious in the East next season. He mentioned Fred VanVleet, Damian Lillard, Chris Paul, and LaMelo Ball as potential options. They surely have the assets to land one of them.
“Cap space can help. Orlando is slated for over $22 million in spending power. That’s not enough to bid on everyone, and inflating this number will require tough calls. But the Magic do have the assets to scope out the trade—or sign-and-trade—market,” Favale wrote.
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