Fans around the NBA are on the lookout for the Orlando Magic. This is a young team on the rise. Last season, the Magic looked like they were ready to start competing for a playoff bid.
This team has a surplus of young talent. With that said, they may need to make some changes to take that extra step. The Magic roster plenty of dynamic playmakers. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner man the frontcourt, while Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, and Jalen Suggs are all talented guards. With that said, they could use a guard who can consistently shoot and create in half-court sets.
Of course, most players who fit that description are stars. The Magic will need to wait until the right player becomes available. With that said, it’s been speculated recently that Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers could be on the trade market soon. Could the Magic acquire him?
The Trade Proposal
Cleveland Cavaliers Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, G/F Gary Harris, 2024 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2025 First-Round Pick (Top-5 Protected – DEN via ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G Donovan Mitchell
Eventually, every team on the rise will look to peak. They don’t want to peak too early. When a team hits its ceiling, it may start to consider rebuilding. Have the Cavaliers peaked too early?
That wouldn’t be fair to say. After all, the Cavaliers roster Evan Mobley. He’ll be entering his third NBA season soon. With that in mind, the Cavaliers have a bright future. At the same time, they may need to make some adjustments in the present. This roster could stand to be a little more coherent.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Orlando Magic Updates
Jarrett Allen and Mobley didn’t look like a good fit together in this year’s playoffs. Mitchell shares a small backcourt with Darius Garland. The Cavaliers have a lot of talent, but they may need to think about how they’re going to arrange it. Does this deal give them a better arrangement?
Why The Cleveland Cavaliers Do The Deal
If Isaac can get healthy, this could be a steal for the Cavaliers. Mobley’s defensive versatility makes him difficult enough to contend with. If the Cavaliers put him at the 5 with a healthy Isaac at the 4, they could construct the most versatile defense in the NBA.
With that said, Isaac is unlikely to get healthy. That’s fine – he’s on an expiring contract. He’s here to make the money work, and if he can’t get his body right, he’ll at least provide the Cavaliers with a little cap relief soon. By contrast, Harris is sturdy and reliable. He could replace Mitchell in the starting lineup and serve as a solid 3-and-D guard alongside Garland.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Orlando Magic Updates
Of course, he’s not nearly the offensive player that Mitchell is. That’s why the Cavaliers land three unprotected first-round picks here as well. After trading considerable draft capital to land Mitchell, that counts for this franchise. If rumors about Mitchell’s potential departure are false, this is all moot. If they’re true, the Cavaliers would have to consider this offer. Should the Magic make this offer for Mitchell?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Absolutely. Orlando should be done with the draft. They just made two selections in the first round. Wagner looks like a steal, and Banchero looks likely to make good on his promise as a number-one pick. The Magic don’t need to develop any more young talent. Instead, they should be focused on the playoffs.
Mitchell would help get them there. In all likelihood, Orlando would look to treat him as part of a Big 3 alongside Banchero and Wagner moving forward. The potential of that group is limitless. Orlando would have a trio of star players if everyone hit their ceilings.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland Cavaliers & Orlando Magic Updates
Yes, the Magic would have some homework to do. If Mitchell isn’t interested in playing in the land of Disney, they should look at other targets. Otherwise, Mitchell would be perfect for this roster. He’ll help Orlando take the step forward that everyone’s expecting them to take.
Want the latest NBA analysis, breaking news, and insider information? Click Here. Follow NBA Analysis Network on Twitter and Facebook.
