At its core, basketball is a simple game. It’s about putting the ball in the basket. Yet, it’s more complicated than that. Some basketball players thrive at putting the ball in the basket themselves. Others are best at helping their teammates do the same. An NBA team needs both.
They need playmakers and play-finishers. They need distributors, and they need floor spacers. The Orlando Magic have got a lot of playmaking. On the other hand, they could absolutely use more floor spacing.
The team addressed that issue to an extent by signing Joe Ingles, but at his age, he may not be able to solve the problem on his own. Could Bojan Bogdanovic of the Detroit Pistons?
The Trade Proposal
Detroit Pistons Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, 2025 First-Round Pick (DEN via ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: F Bojan Bogdanovic
Basketball may be a simple game. That doesn’t mean it’s an easy one. Especially not at the NBA level. These are the most talented basketball players in the world. Meanwhile, playing in the league can take a major toll on the human body.
Still, some bodies are more fragile than others. Some players seem to be able to sustain the physicality of NBA basketball. Others…not so much.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Orlando Magic Updates
For example, take Jonathan Isaac. Injuries have derailed his career thus far. At this point, it’s hard to know whether he’ll be able to have an NBA career. Should the Pistons take a chance on him?
Why The Detroit Pistons Do The Deal
Well, that’s not exactly what the Pistons are doing here. They’re not making this move to acquire Isaac. Although, if he turned a corner, it could be a huge steal. General manager Troy Weaver has shown a tendency to take on reclamation projects. Isaac may appeal to him from that point of view.
Still, this is about two things for the Pistons. To an extent, it’s about Isaac’s flexible contract. His $17.4 million salary for 2024-25 is non-guaranteed. More than anything, it’s about the unprotected first-round pick.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Orlando Magic Updates
This deal won’t make them better next season. Still, Bogdanovic is well off of the timeline of this young core. The Pistons are making a future-focused deal here. Should the rebuilding Magic make it with them?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Both of these teams may be rebuilding. Don’t make the mistake of assuming they’re in the same boat. The Pistons were the worst team in the NBA last year. By contrast, the Magic showed a lot of progress.
With that in mind, it could be time for this team to consolidate some assets and shift into win-now mode. Between Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and others, they may have their core moving forward.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Bojan Bogdanovic, Detroit Pistons & Orlando Magic Updates
Why not add some shooting to it? Sure, Bogdanovic is older than their core. If the Magic are ready to start winning games, that’s less relevant. When Bogdanovic ages out of his prime, they’ll need to replace his skillset. Basically, they’ll need someone who can put the ball in the basket.
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