The NBA is always in flux. If your team is on top, don’t take that for granted. Some day, they’ll begin to decline.
Look at the Golden State Warriors. This team has been a dynasty for a long time. In 2023-24, that dynasty appears to be coming to an end.
On the other hand, the Orlando Magic are on the rise. This team boasts an exciting young core. In time, the Magic will look to build a dynasty of their own. Could they start by sending Wendell Carter Jr. to the Golden State Warriors?
NBA Trade Proposal
Orlando Magic Receive: G/F Andrew Wiggins, 2026 First-Round Pick (Top 5 Protected – GSW)
Golden State Warriors Receive: F/C Jonathan Isaac, F/C Wendell Carter Jr.
It’s been an incredible run for the Warriors. This team has been dominant for a long time. Are the Magic following their blueprint?
It feels possible. The Magic have been building through the draft. That means making the right choices in the lottery. Paolo Banchero looks like the right call. At the same time, it also means finding steals later in the draft.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Wendell Carter Jr, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors Updates
The Magic seem adept at doing that as well. Franz Wagner would be picked much higher in any 2021 redraft. The Magic chose well when they selected him. Is this deal a good choice for them?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
The Magic have a lot of talent. They still need to balance their roster. This team has a surplus of playmaking guards. They also have a surplus of decent big men – and they’re sorely lacking floor spacing.
This deal seeks to give them that balance. Carter Jr. is their best big man, but he’s not substantially ahead of either Moritz Wagner or Goga Bitadze. Meanwhile, Wiggins would improve their floor spacing to some extent.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Wendell Carter Jr, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors Updates
With that said, he’s also underperforming on a long-term contract. That’s why the Magic are picking up a lightly protected first here. Should the Warriors give up an asset for Carter Jr.?
Why The Golden State Warriors Do The Deal
The Warriors need to pick a direction and commit to it. Perhaps they could start rebuilding and look to the future. Alternatively, they could make a win-now trade. What if they could kill two birds with one stone?
After all, Carter Jr. is just 24. He also fills a huge hole for this roster. Carter Jr. would instantly be the Warriors’ starting big man due to his ability to space the floor and defend. He should be a perfect fit for this roster.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Wendell Carter Jr, Orlando Magic, Golden State Warriors Updates
Meanwhile, if anyone can unearth Isaac’s potential, it’s Steve Kerr. Sure, he’s highly injury-prone, but it doesn’t hurt to take a flyer on a potential Defensive Player of the Year. Who knows? He could help the Warriors climb back to the top of the league.
