If you’re going to write a young NBA player off, do so at your own risk. Every career doesn’t follow the same trajectory. Some players will take longer to figure it out than others.
With that said, some front offices will be more patient than others, too. Sometimes, a team doesn’t have time to wait around for a player to develop. Perhaps we’re talking about a young team that’s looking to take a step forward. They may decide that it’s time to cut ties with a young player who’s struggled early in his career.
Could the Orlando Magic be tired of waiting for Jalen Suggs to develop? It’s hard to say. Still, Suggs’ inability to shoot consistently has been a problem for him in the NBA thus far. The Magic could decide to prioritize the other young guards on their roster. If they did, could they trade Suggs to the Utah Jazz?
The Trade Proposal
Orlando Magic Receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk, 2025 First-Round Pick (CLE via UTA)
Utah Jazz Receive: G Jalen Suggs, F Chuma Okeke
On the other hand, some players never develop as expected. That’s why their front offices decide to move them. Realistically, we get some clarity about a young player once they’re two years into their NBA career.
After all, anyone could struggle as a rookie. A player’s first season is a write-off. We’ve seen plenty of superstar players have poor rookie years. On the other hand, in that event, a sophomore season is critical. If a player struggles for their first two seasons, suddenly, their long-term outlook gets considerably bleaker.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic & Utah Jazz Updates
Is Suggs’ long-term outlook bleak? That might be an overstatement. It’s fair to say that Suggs has shown some progress. He’s a strong defender and a solid passer. With that said, he struggles to create in the halfcourt. Could the Magic trade him with that in mind?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
It does seem likely that Orlando has some reservations about Suggs. After all, they drafted Anthony Black this summer. He’s another point guard who’s strong on defense and a good passer. Like Suggs, he also struggles with his shot.
Perhaps he represents a do-over for the Magic. Given that Black hasn’t set foot on an NBA floor yet, and Suggs has two years of experience, it’s reasonable to have more faith in Black’s development. At some point, it feels likely that Orlando will have to choose between the two. Why not choose now?
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic & Utah Jazz Updates
After all, the Magic are getting a good return here. Olynyk would give them a boost in frontcourt spacing that this team could use. Meanwhile, the Magic are also landing an unprotected first-round pick here. That should be enough to entice them to move on from Suggs. Should the Jazz want him?
Why The Utah Jazz Do The Deal
Even still, some players regress, and then ascend again. The Jazz are hoping a player on their team will do the same this year. John Collins had a rough 2022-23 season, but at one point, he looked like a future star.
This summer, the Jazz acquired him. Collins will be joining a crowded frontcourt. Lauri Markkanen is the most important player on this team, and Walker Kessler looks like a cornerstone as well. The Jazz have too many quality frontcourt players.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic & Utah Jazz Updates
On the other hand, they could use a boost in their backcourt. That’s what they’re getting here. If Suggs makes good on the promise that caused the Magic to select him with the fifth pick, this will be a steal for Utah. If he doesn’t? In time, the Jazz will likely have to write him off.
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