The Orlando Magic have started the 2024-25 season admirably with a 9-6 record despite losing Paolo Banchero to an oblique injury just five games into the season. The team is remaining competitive on the strength of their defense, with recently-extended forward Franz Wagner stepping into the No. 1 option role in Banchero’s absence and performing impressively.
The Magic can be considered among the best teams in the East this season, sitting at the No. 3 seed despite missing Banchero. The credit goes to head coach Jamahl Mosley, but the franchise needs to add some more offensive panache. They have had an offensive rating of 108.5 over the last 10 games, so they can boost their roster by making a move for Collin Sexton from the Utah Jazz.
Trade Details
Orlando Magic Receive: Collin Sexton
Utah Jazz Receive: Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, 2026 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2027 Second-Round Pick (ORL)
This is a rich offer for Sexton which the Jazz would have a hard time turning down. Getting an unprotected first-round pick along with two recent first-round picks with upside to be had is a very good return for Sexton, who will interfere in their plans to be one of the tanking franchises this season. Instead, Sexton forms a well-balanced backcourt with Jalen Suggs on the Magic to give the team a chance to make a run in the East Playoffs.
The Magic Create A Top-Four Roster In The East
The Magic showed their mettle last season by finishing as the No. 4 seed in the East and returning to the Playoffs after a four-year absence. The team is ahead on the rebuilding schedule and already looks like a perennial Playoff-caliber franchise with an exciting young core and the ideal coach. They need to gradually improve the personnel surrounding their core by adding complementary pieces.
Sexton is averaging 15.5 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists this season, proving to be a great on-ball offensive creator who can excel with or without the ball. His free-scoring nature would fit the Magic perfectly, while his defensive improvements with the Jazz will allow him to adjust to Orlando’s aggressive defensive style in a much smoother fashion.
Sexton’s on-ball offensive reliability will be a great boost to the Magic who still can’t rely on Jalen Suggs to be a high-volume scorer, although his defensive impact on the roster is inarguable.
Sexton taking the responsibility of being the primary offensive guard on the roster will allow Suggs to be more impactful off-ball while also giving him a solid guard to defer to during possessions when he’s on-ball and can’t find an offensive opening.
The Jazz Bet On The Future
The Utah Jazz have a young squad that has shown a lot of fight in recent seasons, competing for a Playoff spot until February before key players get moved off to help the franchise tank get a better draft pick. This season is different, as the Jazz have started the season 3-10 and currently sit 15th in the West.
They’re one of the notable teams involved in the Cooper Flagg and Ace Bailey tankathon, so moving off Sexton for two project players and a first-round pick would make perfect sense.
Cole Anthony averaged 11.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists last season. Although he has a solid offensive game, it seems the Magic might not be able to continue slowly developing him as they’ve done in recent seasons, given he recently lost his spot in the rotation.
A stint with the Jazz could help Anthony find a long-term home in the NBA, whether it’s with the franchise or after a trade to a winning franchise provided he shows good on-court value.
Jett Howard was the Magic’s 11th pick last season, with the shooter not living up to NBA standards as of yet. But his shooting ability is clear for everyone to see, although he needs more seasoning before being capable of regular NBA minutes, averaging 4.2 points on 40.5% from three so far this season.
The Jazz can have a role for both young players without compromising their tanking goal much. While I don’t believe Anthony will pan out in the long run for the Jazz, a flier on Howard could pay dividends if he actualizes his shooting ability into becoming a 40% three-point shooter in the NBA.
A Deal With Two Happy Franchises
This deal would legitimately serve the interests of both the Magic and Jazz perfectly. Instead of sitting through offers from hard-capped contenders who would be unwilling to offer an unprotected first-round pick for Sexton, the Jazz can generate solid value from the Magic with a pick and two youngsters with upside. It’ll also help them continue tanking this season to maximize their 2025 Draft odds.
The Magic would add a high-scoring guard who has proven to be low-maintenance over his tenure with the Jazz. He could be a capable third option on offense, and if he can increase his defensive activity within the Magic system, there’d be few guards better suited to take Orlando back to their contending days.
The team will have many question marks around them until Bancherpo returns to the court, but the front office will look for ways to improve this franchise and show Banchero that they’re willing to compete with him as their cornerstone as soon as his third season in the league.
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