The Orlando Magic lost five games in the first round and was able to trade this offseason to boost their talent.
The Orlando Magic again ended the season in the first round and fell for the Boston Celtics in five games.
It’s clear that Orlando has a talented young core and a defence primary identity, but for now they lack the power of the stars that emerge as one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. Teams like the Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers are not going anywhere. The Detroit Pistons seem to have jumped up the spell of the East.
The magic may make flashy offseason moves to avoid play-in next season.
Is Jalen Suggs a true point guard? He fits very well next to Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchelo and should not be considered in trade this summer, but he may be best served as a shooting guard, especially if he is able to return to the 39.7% mark from last season’s deep.
The Memphis Grizzlies go back after their own first round exit, so Ja Morant found himself in trade rumours. His reputation doesn’t exactly fit into the established culture of magic, but he is a talented All-Star Guard and the most exciting player in the league when he’s healthy.
In addition to his undeniable talent, the changing scenery may make him better. Multiple suspensions and injuries concerns may have diminished patience from the Memphis front office, and if the magic makes a solid offer, the Grizzlies must consider it.
Magic has pay, draft picks, and young talent to move the needle. Morant is linked by former players to the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets, but the Magic timeline fits well with Morant, who is only 25 years old.
Complete mock trade details:
- Magic Receiving: Ja Morant
- Grizzlies Receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jonathan Isaac, Jett Howard, 2025 Firstround Pick (den), 2028 First-round Pick
Caldwell Pope signed a magical and more profitable deal after winning the title with the Denver Nuggets, but he didn’t offer the expected shooting. Isaac is expected to make $15 million next season, but since 2019-20, the change in the scenery may work for him.
Finally, Howard is a promising young player who was an odd man in Orlando, and the capital draft will soon be in a hurry to sweeten the pot and discourage the Grizzlies from considering other offers.