Every NBA team has its own outlook. They’re in different positions. Accordingly, they’ve got their own unique range of decisions to make.
The Toronto Raptors might be making some big decisions this summer. Out of every team in the NBA, theyre seen as the most likely candidate to blow up their roster. The Raptors had a woefully disappointing 2022-23 season. Meanwhile, they’ve got a roster full of players with plenty of trade value.
By contrast, the Orlando Magic won’t be blowing anything up. If they make a trade this summer, it’ll be a win-now move. This young team is on the rise – they’ll be looking to carry last season’s momentum in 2023-24. Could acquiring Gary Trent Jr. from the Raptors help them do that?
The Trade Proposal
Toronto Raptors Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, 2025 First-Round Pick (DEN via ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr.
In fact, the Magic could learn from the Raptors. This team is on track to build a similar-looking squad. Accordingly, they should be looking to avoid similar mistakes. The Magic should take the Raptors’ model, and modify it.
Let’s get more specific. The Raptors have been trying to assemble a squad full of big, playmaking wings. In theory, their concept makes sense. Plus positional size is always an advantage, and the more playmakers your team has, the harder they are to guard.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr., Orlando Magic & Toronto Raptors Updates
Unless they don’t space the floor properly, that is. The Raptors have been held back by poor shooting and limited half-court creation. The Magic can’t afford to suffer the same fate. Does acquiring Trent Jr. help them avoid it?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Well, the Magic aren’t likely to suffer the same pitfalls. Simply put, Paolo Banchero is not the same player as Scottie Barnes. Banchero doesn’t have Barnes’ defensive potential, and he’s not quite as sharp as a passer. On the other hand, he’s a much more naturally gifted scorer.
With Banchero’s ability to score in the halfcourt, the Magic won’t have any worries about creation. On the other hand, they do need to boost their spacing. This team is stacked with quality young playmakers, but they’re sorely lacking in shooters. So, they’re acquiring a shooter. Simple.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr., Orlando Magic & Toronto Raptors Updates
After all, that is Trent Jr.’s best skill. With that said, he’s also a great defensive playmaker who can create his own shot at times as well. This is a solid player who will make the Magic a better team. Should the Raptors give him up?
Why The Toronto Raptors Do The Deal
There’s an irony here. Isaac is exactly the type of player that the Raptors tend to target. Yet, they’re not doing this deal with his skillset in mind at all. Isaac is perhaps the most injury-prone player in the NBA. The Raptors only covet him here because of his expiring contract.
Of course, any team acquiring Isaac would love it if he could get healthy. In that event, this could be a tremendous steal for the Raptors. When healthy, Isaac has looked like a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate. Still, this is a solid decision for the Raptors even if Isaac never suits up again.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Gary Trent Jr., Orlando Magic & Toronto Raptors Updates
Assuming, of course, that they’re rebuilding. If not, the Raptors may want to hang onto Trent Jr. On the other hand, it feels safe to assume that the Raptors will start turning to the future. If they do, adding an unprotected first-round pick would improve their outlook.
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