The NBA’s landscape is always shifting. The hierarchy is always changing. Teams that have been on the top for a long time are starting to sink.
Look at the Golden State Warriors. This team defined an era of NBA basketball. By 2023-24, the Warriors are declining. This group does not resemble the dominant squad that we’ve been watching for so many years.
On the other hand, the Orlando Magic are on the rise. With that said, their torrid start has cooled down as the season has worn on. The Magic have a lot of talent, but they could use some floor spacing. Could they acquire Chris Paul from the Warriors as a result?
NBA Trade Proposal
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, C Wendell Carter Jr.
Orlando Magic Receive: G Chris Paul, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 4 Protected – GSW)
Yet, there is a broader historical hierarchy as well. It shifts – but it shifts more gradually. It will take an organization a long time to change their place in the history books.
So, give the Warriors credit. This team hadn’t been relevant to the NBA’s title picture since the 70s. The Warriors put some fun teams together, but they were seldom contenders. During this recent era of Warriors basketball, the organization has ascended the league’s historical ranks.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic Updates
On the other hand, the Magic have a rich history in their own right. The Shaquille O’Neal era and Dwight Howard era each saw them in the NBA Finals. With that said, the Magic haven’t gotten over the hump yet. Does this deal get them closer to championship glory?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
It may. This is an interesting trade for Orlando. Given Paul’s age, they’re giving up the best player in the deal in Carter Jr. Yet, they’re hoping it will make them better.
After all, Goga Bitadze and Moritz Wagner have rendered Carter Jr. expendable. Meanwhile, Orlando badly needs guards who can shoot. Paul can still offer floor spacing, and his historically elite feel for the game should make him a good influence on this young team’s core.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic Updates
Yet, even if this doesn’t improve Orlando, they can justify moving Carter Jr. and Isaac for an expiring contract and a lightly protected first. The Magic are functioning as sellers here while trying to improve their short-term ceiling at the same time.
Should the Warriors help them accomplish that goal?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
Draymond Green is perhaps the best defender of his era. With that said, he’s aging – Green has lost a step. That’s why the Warriors are bringing perhaps the best per-minute defender in the NBA on board here in Isaac.
Yet, Isaac’s lack of durability limits his value. For the Warriors, this is primarily about Carter Jr. This team needs to upgrade their big-man rotation if they’re going to win a title. Carter Jr. would be a tremendous upgrade.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Chris Paul, Golden State Warriors, Orlando Magic Updates
After all, he’s a strong floor spacing big who can guard multiple positions. Carter Jr. will also give the Warriors some much-needed help on the glass. If all goes well, he may help them climb back up the NBA’s hierarchy.
