DEAL DONE: Orlando Magic Land crucial Trade Scenario
The Orlando Magic came within one win of reaching the second round in their first playoff appearance in four years. Paolo Banchero has transformed the team into a legitimate playoff contender, with head coach Jamahl Mosley excelling in his role. The addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope shows that the Magic are serious about pushing for contention this season, signaling the end of their struggles at the bottom of the lottery.
In contrast, the Hawks have been moving in the opposite direction, addressing their roster issues by trading Dejounte Murray for picks and various players. The team doesn’t seem poised to compete and may even consider parting ways with embattled point guard Trae Young. The Magic might have to make a significant sacrifice, but doing so could give them the offensive firepower needed to rise to a top-four spot in the Eastern Conference.
Trade Details
Orlando Magic Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, Moritz Wagner, 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2026 First-Round Pick Swap (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL)
This trade can’t be completed before October 4 due to the recently signed restriction on Wagner, but it would significantly elevate the Magic’s roster as they enter the season. Trae Young would energize their offense, forming a dynamic pairing with Paolo Banchero in the frontcourt. Meanwhile, the Hawks would embrace a rebuild, focusing on acquiring young assets and draft picks.
The Magic Add The Offensive Creativity They Need
The Magic’s playoff exit highlighted a season-long issue: their struggling offense. With a 113.4 offensive rating last season, they ranked in the bottom 10 in the NBA, the worst among all 16 playoff teams. Despite this, their offseason moves haven’t addressed the need for more offensive creativity, with Kentavious Caldwell-Pope being their only significant signing. As a 3-and-D swingman, KCP doesn’t fill the void of an on-ball offensive playmaker who could elevate the talents of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Trae Young, who averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists last season, is one of the NBA’s top offensive players. However, the Hawks haven’t fully capitalized on his production, and his defensive shortcomings have drawn criticism. The Magic, however, could mitigate these weaknesses with their strong defensive lineup, featuring top perimeter defenders like Jalen Suggs, KCP, and Jonathan Isaac.
Trading away key players presents a challenge due to their potential. Anthony Black and Jett Howard, both high draft picks last year, are seen as future cornerstones for the Magic. Parting with them, along with first-round pick rights for the next three drafts, could jeopardize the team’s future. If Young’s reputation as a divisive locker room presence follows him to Orlando, this trade could backfire. However, if all goes well, the Magic have the pieces to become a serious contender in the Eastern Conference.
The Hawks Load Up On Young Talent Ahead Of A Stacked Draft
The Trae Young era has resulted in three disappointing seasons since the Hawks’ 2021 Eastern Conference Finals appearance, highlighting their struggles to build a successful team around him. Trading Dejounte Murray won’t instantly fix the roster’s flaws, but the acquisition of Dyson Daniels from the Pelicans allows the Hawks to commit to a rebuilding phase.
Pairing Anthony Black with Daniels could create a formidable defensive backcourt, especially under head coach Quin Snyder, known for his defensive acumen before joining the Hawks. These young, eager players could help Snyder re-establish a strong defensive identity for the team. Last season, Black averaged 4.6 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.3 assists, struggling to find consistent minutes in the Magic’s rotation, while Jett Howard, a promising young shooter, faced similar challenges.
Cole Anthony and Moritz Wagner bring experience and readiness to contribute immediately. Anthony posted 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per game last season, while Wagner averaged 10.9 points and 4.3 rebounds. The Hawks could either retain Anthony, whose contract is expiring, or trade him to allow more playing time for a backcourt featuring Daniels, Black, and Kobe Bufkin. Wagner, still young, might stay with the Hawks, though their focus would likely be on developing Onyeka Okongwu, especially if they find a trade partner for Clint Capela.
A Risky Win-Win?
The Hawks are poised to make a fresh start after several seasons of disappointment with Trae Young and multiple head coaches. Despite Young’s remarkable talent, which justifies the return of three recent lottery picks and additional future picks, the Magic might be the only team willing to meet such a steep price. They have the defensive framework needed to maximize Young’s offensive capabilities.
For the Magic, this trade represents a significant gamble. They are giving up valuable picks and players but have built a solid foundation with the assets they retain. Paolo Banchero is entering the third year of his rookie contract and is expected to be with the team for at least another five seasons, while Franz Wagner is already signed long-term. Young is under contract until at least 2026, allowing the Magic to keep their core intact while pursuing immediate contention.
If the trade doesn’t pan out, the Magic could potentially replenish their draft assets while retaining cornerstone pieces like Banchero, and supportive players like Wagner and Jalen Suggs. Although the trade is a high-risk move and somewhat unrealistic, it’s the type of bold step the Magic might need to address their offensive issues if they persist throughout the season.