It’s been a successful 2023-24 NBA season for the Orlando Magic. That’s undeniable. The Magic could have to struggle mightily for the rest of the year before this season, which was seen as a failure.
With that said, they’ve been somewhat inconsistent. For some time, the Magic were near the top of the Eastern Conference. Now, they’ve slipped in the standings. The Magic are still in the playoff race, but they aren’t likely to secure home-court seeding.
At least, as currently constructed they’re not. That’s fine. This is a young team. Still, if the Magic wanted to make a win-now trade, they could climb back up the standings. This team could use a sweet shooting guard. How about Bogdan Bogdanovic of the Atlanta Hawks?
NBA Trade Proposal
Atlanta Hawks Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, 2024 Second-Round Pick (ORL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (BOS or MEM via ORL)
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Bogdan Bogdanovic
It’s been a disappointing 2023-24 season for the Hawks. That’s undeniable. The Hawks would have to make an impressive turnaround for the rest of the year before this season was considered a success.
What happened? Well, a series of factors could explain Atlanta’s downfall. The Hawks may regret trading for Dejounte Murray. He doesn’t appear to be a fit alongside Young. They’re both ball-dominant and don’t complement each other on the offensive end of the floor.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic Updates
The Magic may not be feeling any urgency to make a trade. In all likelihood, the Hawks are feeling a bit desperate. This team is rumored to be a major potential seller at the deadline. Should they move Bogdanovic?
Why The Atlanta Hawks Do The Deal
Isaac would be an intriguing acquisition for the Hawks. In theory, this is exactly the type of player they need. When healthy, Isaac is among the best defensive players in basketball.
That’s a lot of caveats. In practice, Isaac is seldom healthy. Yet, that’s not the only benefit in acquiring him. If the Hawks like what they see, they can extend Isaac this summer – in all likelihood, at a much lower price than he’s currently paid. Otherwise, they can let him walk – Isaac is on an expiring contract.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic Updates
Otherwise, the Hawks also pick up a pair of second-round picks in this deal. The main idea here is to take a flyer on Isaac and enjoy some cap relief, but a couple of extra assets don’t hurt. Should the Magic give up those assets?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
Hawks fans will be annoyed at the notion of acquiring Isaac. Magic fans will be annoyed at the notion of moving him. He’s a polarizing player, and Magic fans have been banking on his potential for a long time.
Well, Isaac is 26. Meanwhile, the team has moved on. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are the wings of the future. The Magic don’t need Isaac as badly as they need a guard who can shoot.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Bogdan Bogdanovic, Atlanta Hawks, Orlando Magic Updates
Bogdanovic is a knockdown shooter. He’s also a capable self-creator. Sure, his deal is long-term – but it’s not especially onerous. After adding him, the Magic should find even more success.
