No NBA team likes to give up on their own players. Ideally, everyone they draft develops exactly as they’d hoped. It rarely goes that way. The NBA, if you didn’t know, is difficult. Sometimes, players don’t develop into what an organization hoped they would.
We’re not saying Jalen Suggs of the Orlando Magic won’t become the player Orlando envisioned he would. This is a young player who still has the potential to be the guy the Magic were picturing when they selected him with the fifth overall pick.
On the other hand, the Magic may not want to wait. Suggs has been underwhelming through two seasons. Meanwhile, this organization is looking to take a step forward in 2023-24. Could they send him to the Brooklyn Nets?
The Trade Proposal
Orlando Magic Receive: F Royce O’Neale, 2025 First-Round Pick (PHX via BKN)
Brooklyn Nets Receive: G Jalen Suggs
Meanwhile, there’s a certain Brooklyn Net who serves as a perfect example of how difficult NBA development can be to predict. We’re talking about Ben Simmons. At the beginning of Simmons’ career, he looked like a future star. In fact, for some time, he was a star. Simmons was arguably the best defender in the NBA, and one of the league’s best passers as well.
How could he fail? Well, a combination of factors led to Simmons’ downfall. He seems to have lost confidence as a poor shooter, and his body has failed him at times as well.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Either way, he’s fallen from grace. Simmons went from being an All-NBA player to falling out of Brooklyn’s rotation. All told, it’s a cautionary tale for young players around the league. Should the Nets worry that Suggs will suffer a similar fate?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
In some respects, Suggs is a lot like Simmons. He’s a dynamic athlete. Suggs is also an excellent defender with good floor vision. Unfortunately, he also suffers from poor shooting.
With that said, he’s not a complete non-shooter, either. Suggs’ jump shot has some potential. If he can start to knock it down consistently, he could still be a star player.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic & Brooklyn Nets Updates
Meanwhile, the Nets could use a point guard. They also have a surplus of draft capital. Taking a buy-low flier on Suggs now would be a suitable decision for this organization. Should the Magic really part with him already?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Well, we’ve got at least some reason to wonder whether Orlando still has faith in Suggs. This organization just selected Anthony Black in the draft. He’s another defensive-minded point guard with excellent floor vision and a shaky jumper. Is there still room for Suggs?
Perhaps. At 6’7, Black can play multiple positions. Still, the fit feels poor. Black and Suggs are both playmakers with limited shooting abilities. How will they complement each other?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic & Brooklyn Nets Updates
If Orlando sees the same conflict, this is a good deal. O’Neale will help them on a short-term basis as a low-usage 3-and-D wing. Meanwhile, they might as well get a first-round pick for Suggs while they can. Even if it means giving up on him.
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