The Orlando Magic have been one of the most promising young teams in the NBA over the past few years. Unfortunately, the value of experience comes through in the postseason, and the Magic felt it after making their first-round exit in this year’s playoffs.
The 4-1 loss to the Boston Celtics made it quite apparent that the Magic were missing out on some key pieces to see them through to the next stages of development. The growth of players like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero has undoubtedly been of great importance. However, the team hasn’t necessarily supported this growth with the right kind of talent.
Orlando currently have a lot of decisions to make as they prepare for a long offseason. With aspirations of making a return next season as contenders, the Magic would need to make a play for some quality players to bolster their roster strength.
1. Trae Young
Proposed Trade Details:
Orlando Magic Receive: Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks Receive: Jalen Suggs, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Cory Joseph, 2025 First-Round Pick (DEN), 2026 Second-Round Pick
When thinking of a superstar point guard, Trae Young is one of the first players that comes to mind. The gifted Atlanta Hawks guard is one of the best playmakers in the league today, and his arrival in Orlando could spell amazing things for the Magic.
Young brings a quality of playmaking that could bring the best out of Orlando’s young core. His average of 24.2 points and 11.6 assists speaks volumes of his ability to facilitate his team’s offense while also getting his teammates involved in the action.
The 26-year-old fits the timeline for Orlando’s growth and development. His style of play pairs very well with the likes of Wagner and Banchero. Most importantly, his ability to perform on the big stage and his previous success in the postseason make for valuable experience when it comes to breaking through to that next level.
After a series of disappointing seasons in Atlanta, it seems likely that the guard will be on the lookout for greener pastures. Considering that the Magic are built to be a playoff team for the future, Young would shine in a system that allows him to take over the flow of the offense.
2. LaMelo Ball
Proposed Trade Details:
Orlando Magic Receive: LaMelo Ball
Charlotte Hornets Receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Gary Harris, Cole Anthony, 2025 First-Round Pick (DEN), 2027 First-Round Pick, 2029 First-Round Pick
When talking about exciting young players, Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball certainly has to be at the top of the list. Although the young guard has an outspoken personality and an unorthodox style of play, he is undoubtedly box office.
Attempting to bring the Hornets’ star to the Magic will require a lot of doing, as he is virtually the sole star in Charlotte at the moment. This could be important as Ball may have intentions to join a winning team. By leveraging some picks for the future, Orlando could potentially kickstart the project of turning into a title contender right away.
At the age of 23, Ball is one of the most exciting players in the NBA. Having been named an All-Star once in his career, Ball has been acknowledged as a bona fide franchise cornerstone.
With averages of 25.2 points, 7.4 assists, and 4.9 rebounds per game, it is clear that the guard has a massive impact on his team’s success. As a taller guard, he also boasts superior court vision and flair, which can breed success as well as boost team morale.
The only downside of trading for Ball is his injury status. In the short duration of his NBA career, the Hornets guard has spent extended periods off the court. Although the results are undeniable, he is still a risky investment to make if the Magic have aspirations of winning right away.
3. Myles Turner
Proposed Trade Details:
Orlando Magic Receive: Myles Turner
Indiana Pacers Receive: Moritz Wagner, Gary Harris, 2025 Second-Round Pick (BOS)
Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner will draw a lot of attention heading into the offseason. Considering how valuable he has been for the Pacers this season, it is likely that Turner will garner attention for a fairly sizeable contract in free agency.
Although the Magic don’t have the cap space to pursue Turner as a free agent, they can attempt to acquire him via a sign-and-trade.
Turner would be a great addition to the Magic. He provides ample floor spacing to allow Banchero and Wagner to operate in the midrange. Meanwhile, he can still function as a lob threat owing to his athleticism and mobility.
On the defensive side of the ball, Turner stands out as a solid defender and rim protector. With an average of 2.0 blocks per game this season, he has been invaluable for the Pacers’ defensive integrity. The 29-year-old veteran also has some playoff experience. This will be of key importance to the Magic as they prepare for the next season.
Turner played and started in 72 games for the Pacers this season and averaged 15.6 points and 6.5 rebounds per game. While this speaks volumes about his durability, it is also a reflection of how valuable he is to Indiana. With the likelihood of the Pacers pursuing him immediately after free agency opens, the Magic will have a tough time prying him away.
4. Deandre Ayton
Proposed Trade Details:
Orlando Magic Receive: Deandre Ayton
Portland Trail Blazers Receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac, 2025 First-Round Pick (DEN)
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton is currently one of the most underwhelming players in the league. When considering his potential, Ayton should be one of the best big men in the NBA. Unfortunately, the situation in Portland hasn’t necessarily been conducive to his growth since leaving Phoenix.
Although Ayton appears to be an important part of the Trail Blazers project, the team doesn’t seem to be winning much of anything. In light of this, the big man may be much better served by heading east to join the Orlando Magic.
The Magic could use a center like Ayton. Although he doesn’t necessarily fulfill much from a floor spacing perspective, he is one of the most efficient players when it comes to scoring. With a career average of 59% from the field, Ayton bolsters Orlando’s offense and rebounding while also giving them a lot of length in the frontcourt.
Since leaving Phoenix, Ayton has seen a consistent reduction in his scoring averages. While also considering that he missed the last stretch of the season due to a calf injury, it is fair to assume that he would still be capable of producing more from the field when healthy.
The 26-year-old center fits Orlando’s timeline and brings valuable playoff experience from his tenure with the Suns. Having made it to the NBA Finals, Ayton could be a key element in the locker room when it comes to preparing for the postseason.
5. Herbert Jones
Proposed Trade Details:
Orlando Magic Receive: Herbert Jones
New Orleans Pelicans Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Cory Joseph, 2025 Second-Round Pick (BOS)
Herbert Jones may not be a star-caliber player, especially when compared to some of the other names on this list. However, the New Orleans Pelicans forward could be a vital piece on the Magic roster if they can acquire him.
In his rookie season, Jones was looked at as one of the most complete defensive players in the league. Although he only played six games in the postseason in his rookie year, he was a terror against the Phoenix Suns.
Since his rookie season, the Pelicans haven’t been the most competitive of teams. Facing a plethora of injury crises, the team has been shorthanded, and these unfortunate circumstances have left them out of the postseason for the better part of Jones’ career.
In light of this, the 26-year-old may benefit from a move to Orlando. Figuring out his place on a much more competitive roster, Jones could be the defensive element the team so desperately needs to compete against the title-contending teams in their conference.
Although he suffered a season-ending tear in January, Jones notched an average of 10.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists per game. These stats may not leap off the page, but his ability to lock down on defense has garnered a lot of attention. Considering that he was named to the All-Defensive Team last season, there is enough evidence of ability to suggest that he could be a key player for Orlando.
