Fans of rebuilding NBA teams want to see their young players prioritized. Fair enough. Fans get attached. They believe that all of their guys have star potential. Typically, they’re being unrealistic.
That’s why a rebuilding team will eventually acquire a key veteran or two. They’ll look to identify their future cornerstones through the draft and then go out and get players that complement those guys. Everyone won’t necessarily survive the rebuild. Soon enough, the Orlando Magic must start putting the right pieces around their cornerstones.
Who are their cornerstones? In all likelihood, it will be Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. They’re a pair of dynamic playmaking wings who can carry this team for some time. With that said, the Magic could stand to put some shooters around them. Could they start with CJ McCollum of the New Orleans Pelicans?
The Trade Proposal
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, G/F Gary Harris, F Chuma Okeke, 2025 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – DEN via ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G CJ McCollum
That’s not to say that giving up on a young player is easy. It isn’t. Fans aren’t the only ones that grow attached to young players – front offices do, too. Indeed, the Magic had hoped for more than this from Jonathan Isaac.
Unfortunately, his body has had other plans. Isaac is perhaps the most injury-prone player in the NBA. Sure, he’s healthy right now. Isaac is contributing in the preseason. We’ve seen this before. By now, the Magic must be cynical about his ability to stay on the floor.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Orlando Magic Updates
Moreover, Isaac has some…interesting politics. He doesn’t seem like the most popular guy in this locker room. For various reasons, the Magic are moving on from Isaac. Should the Pelicans be interested in adding him?
Why The New Orleans Pelicans Do The Deal
Well, the Pelicans don’t do this deal for Isaac. Above all else, they do it for the draft capital. If they make this trade, Pelicans fans should become Denver Nuggets fans. After all, it would take a major injury for Nikola Jokic for this pick not to convey. The odds are overwhelmingly strong that the Pelicans are netting a first-rounder here.
They’re also moving off of McCollum’s contract. This deal offers the Pelicans significant cap relief. If Isaac gets hurt again, they can let him walk in a year. The same is true for Harris and Okeke – although the Pelicans could be interested in bringing Harris back. He’s a valuable rotation player who ought to be affordable.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Orlando Magic Updates
That said, taking a flyer on Isaac makes sense, too. If he can get healthy, he’s exactly the type of defensive player who can cover for Zion Williamson. The Pelicans may even want to start him at the five. Should the Magic give up on him?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Like the Pelicans, the Magic don’t need to worry about McCollum’s contract. This team’s key players won’t be due for an extension for a little while. Currently, the Pelicans have a lot of players on rookie deals. McCollum’s contract won’t impede their ability to retain their most critical talent.
More importantly, he should enhance that talent. McCollum is precisely the type of guard that this team is missing. He’s an elite floor spacer who can create shots for himself and others. His ability to knock down triples will make life easier for Banchero and Wagner.
NBA TRADES, NEWS & RUMORS: CJ McCollum, New Orleans Pelicans & Orlando Magic Updates
That makes him worth this cost. The Magic don’t need to bring in more young talent – they have one of the league’s best collections. It’s time for them to start fleshing out this roster and building around their keys, guys. If that means fewer touches for the other young players, it might be best for the team.
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