The Magic have surprised everyone this season. At 17-10 after losing against the Bucks, and 3rd in the East, they also are in a bit of a tough spot right now, with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner both sidelined. Banchero’s been out since the end of October with a torn oblique, and Wagner recently joined him on the injury list in December with the same injury. Losing both of them is a big hit, especially since they’re the team’s top two scorers.
With those guys out, the Magic are trying to make things work with what they’ve got. Jalen Suggs has been stepping up with 32 points in his latest game, but it’s obvious the team needs some reinforcements to stay competitive.
That’s where Anfernee Simons and Clint Capela could come in. Simons is a scoring machine, and his shooting could really help stretch the floor. Capela, on the other hand, is a beast on defense and grabs boards like it’s nothing, so he’d give the Magic a big boost in the paint without Banchero. If they join the Magic, they’d definitely make a huge impact, helping the team stay afloat while Banchero and Wagner heal up.
The Trade For Anfernee Simons
Blazers receive: Jonathan Isaac, 2025 First-Round Pick (via DEN), 2025 First-Round Pick (via ORL), 2025 Second-Round Pick (via ORL)
Magic receive: Anfernee Simons
The Blazers are deep into their rebuild, sitting at 8-16 and 13th in the West. They haven’t made any big moves yet, but there’s been talk about potentially trading Robert Williams or Deandre Ayton to make room for rookie Donovan Clingan. They’ve got more assets than they need right now, so it’s clear they’re looking to move some pieces.
One of the biggest names on the trade block has been Anfernee Simons. He and Jerami Grant have some of the worst plus-minus numbers in the league, and while defense isn’t exactly Simons’ strong suit, his ability to score could be huge for a team that’s been struggling with consistent offense. Jalen Suggs has been doing his best, but Simons’ 16.5 points, 4.4 assists, and 2.6 rebounds per game this season could really give them a much-needed offensive boost.
This trade works for the Blazers, too, as they’re stacking up future assets. Sending Simons away for Jonathan Isaac, plus two first-round picks and a second-round pick, would help them load up on picks while getting a solid defensive piece in Isaac, who’s been healthier this season, playing 21 games (6.5 points, 4.7 rebounds, 1.4 blocks). Isaac’s defense might not be as needed for the Magic right now, and his $25 million contract could become a problem down the road.
For the Magic, getting Simons means he’d fill the offensive gap left by their injured stars, giving them a reliable scorer to lean on. Meanwhile, the Blazers get the picks they need to keep rebuilding, plus a player like Isaac, who still has value for their future. It’s a win-win for both sides looking ahead.
The Trade For Clint Capela
Hawks receive: Cole Anthony, Goga Bitadze
Magic receive: Clint Capela
After moving Dejounte Murray in the offseason, no one expected the Hawks to truly be competitive in 2024-25. But right now, the Hawks are 14-12, sitting 7th in the Eastern Conference. While they’ve been on a hot streak, they remain in rebuild mode, and Clint Capela, entering the final year of his $22 million contract, could be one of the players moved. With Capela’s strong rebounding and shot-blocking ability, the Hawks could look to offload him in favor of Onyeka Okongwu, projected to be the future center of the team.
For the Magic, adding Capela would significantly improve their defense and rebounding, two areas they’ve been struggling with this season after Banchero went down in late October. Capela has averaged 10.2 points and 9.3 rebounds per game this season, and his presence in the paint would help stabilize the Magic’s frontcourt. With injuries to their key players, Capela’s defensive impact could help keep the Magic competitive in the Eastern Conference since Wendell Carter has been low-key disappointing so far on that spot.
In exchange, the Hawks would receive Cole Anthony and Goga Bitadze. Cole Anthony, with a tough start to the season, is averaging 5.3 points, 2.0 rebounds, and 1.8 assists per game. He brings scoring and playmaking potential, although his role could fluctuate depending on the team’s needs, and if Trae Young ever gets moved out of Atlanta, they could have his replacement right there. Goga Bitadze, on the other hand, has shown more consistency this season, averaging 8.8 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 1.9 assists per game. Bitadze could provide solid depth at center and offer the Hawks a reliable young player for their rebuilding efforts after a monster 21-point, 16-rebound performance against the Suns.
Capela would be the missing piece they need to strengthen their defense and rebounding, making them a much more formidable team going forward when Wagner and Banchero come back. Both teams benefit from this trade: the Hawks get future assets and flexibility, while the Magic improve their frontcourt immediately.
The Magic’s Starting Five
Jalen Suggs, Anfernee Simons, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Clint Capela
If we’re talking about a potential starting five for the Magic, this could be the ideal lineup. With a good mix of defense, scoring, and experience, this group would have everything they need to compete. Of course, this would be if the Magic manage to add Anfernee Simons and Clint Capela, which would give them a solid balance of offense and defense.
Jalen Suggs would be the starting point guard. He’s been known for his defense, and he’s been getting better offensively. This season, he’s averaging 16.0 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.9 assists, showing he’s capable of being a key player on both sides of the court.
Anfernee Simons, if he were to join the team, would be a major offensive boost. He’s a natural scorer, averaging 16.5 points per game and also able to dish out 4.4 assists. He’d be a guy who can create his own shot and stretch the floor, which would be perfect to complement Suggs and Banchero.
Franz Wagner is still one of the most well-rounded players on the team. He’s averaging 24.4 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.7 assists this season, in what looks to be a potential All-Star push. His ability to score and defend multiple positions makes him a valuable piece for the Magic and the reason they are still competitive since Banchero’s fall to injury.
Paolo Banchero, the 2022 Rookie of the Year, would obviously be a key piece of the starting lineup. Before being sidelined for a while, he was averaging 29.0 points and 8.8 rebounds per game, and his ability to score both inside and outside makes him a huge threat on offense.
Clint Capela, if the Magic were able to bring him in, would add a strong presence in the paint. He’s averaging 10.2 points and 9.3 rebounds this season and would give the Magic the rim protection and rebounding they’ve been missing. His veteran leadership would also be crucial for a team still building its identity.
With this starting five, the Magic would have a solid mix of scoring and defense. Off the bench, you’ve got guys like Anthony Black, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Tristan Da Silva, Caleb Houstan, Mo Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. who could provide depth and valuable minutes. These guys can step up when needed, giving the Magic a deeper and more balanced team.
This potential starting five, along with the depth from the bench, could make the Magic a sustained contender in the East. Adding players like Simons and Capela could be the final pieces they need to truly compete at a high level.
