The NBA should be on notice. The Orlando Magic are on the rise. This young team won’t be content to pick in the lottery for much longer. Next season, the Magic will be looking to take a step forward.
This is a young group with a lot of potential. Realistically, the Magic are done adding to their young core. Paolo Banchero looks like a franchise player, and Franz Wagner isn’t far behind. With enough young talent to support them, it’s time for the Magic to shift into win-now mode.
How dramatic should that shift be? That’s an interesting question. The Magic could make a major splash. Alternatively, they could go for a more incremental change. We’re going to look at a wide range of options. Here are three deals we think Orlando would have to consider.
Trade No. 1 – Magic Acquire Tyus Jones From Washington Wizards
Washington Wizards Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G Tyus Jones, F Corey Kispert
By contrast, the Wizards are on the decline. This team is in the infancy stages of their rebuild. This summer, the Wizards traded Bradley Beal. Now, they’re at the beginning of the rebuilding cycle.
With that in mind, they could look to move the recently acquired Tyus Jones this season. The Wizards can’t trade him yet, but he’s surely a deadline candidate. After all, Jones is among the steadiest point guards in the NBA. He turns the ball over as little as anyone in the league, and he’s an elite floor spacer.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Orlando Magic, Washington Wizards, Tyus Jone & Corey Kispert Updates
The Magic could use a player like that. Meanwhile, adding a young shooter like Kispert doesn’t hurt either. Finally, the Magic should be ready to move on from Isaac – by now, the odds of him staying healthy are extremely slim. On the other hand, if they’re not, could they look to make another move?
Trade No. 2 – Magic Acquire Gary Trent Jr. From Toronto Raptors
Toronto Raptors Receive: G Markelle Fultz
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Gary Trent Jr.
After all, Orlando would be adding Jones to a roster that already features a logjam of point guards. Perhaps they ought to clear that logjam. Between Fultz, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black, this team is stacked with point guards who can do just about everything – besides consistently shoot.
Trent Jr. can consistently shoot. What’s more, he’s actually a year younger than Fultz. He’d be a better fit alongside Banchero and Wagner. Trent Jr. would provide them with ample floor spacing, opening up driving lanes and passing lanes for the team’s best players.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Orlando Magic, Gary Trent Jr & Toronto Raptors Updates
Meanwhile, the Raptors need a point guard. Fultz has flashed some potential. In fact, he’s flashed enough that Orlando could be apprehensive about moving him. In that event, could they look to move another one of their young point guards?
Trade No. 3 – Magic Send Jalen Suggs To Utah Jazz
Utah Jazz Receive: G Jalen Suggs, F Chuma Okeke
Orlando Magic Receive: F/C Kelly Olynyk, 2025 First-Round Pick (CLE via UTA)
We’re not saying Suggs hasn’t flashed potential in his own right. He’s a stout perimeter defender and a plus passer. Suggs has some skills, but unfortunately, he hasn’t flashed much in the way of halfcourt creation. If the Magic want to clear up that logjam, he may be the most logical player to move.
After all, someone will want to take a gamble on the recent lottery pick. Why not the Jazz? This team is lacking a point guard. Given their uncertain direction, they may want to target a young one. If they’re willing to invest in Suggs’ development, this deal could make sense for them.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Orlando Magic, Kelly Olynyk & Utah Jazz Updates
Meanwhile, the Magic could use some more frontcourt spacing. Olynyk provides it, and he’s got some defensive value as well. Throw in an unprotected first, and this deal could be perfect for Orlando as well. In other words, it could help them continue to rise.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
