As trade rumors swirl following a coaching shakeup, Kendrick Perkins predicts a shocking split between Paolo Banchero and the Orlando Magic if their new-look roster fails to deliver.
The Orlando Magic had a middling offseason. The biggest move the team made was firing Jamahl Mosley after five seasons and hiring San Antonio Spurs associate head coach Sean Sweeney to helm the new-look team. Orlando lost Moritz Wagner and Jett Howard to free agency while bringing back former star Nikola Vucevic, after his tenures with the Chicago Bulls and Boston Celtics, along with re-signing Jevon Carter and Jonathan Isaac after waiving the latter. The rest of the Eastern Conference made big moves this offseason such as the Miami Heat and Philadelphia 76ers while the Magic have stayed somewhat put. Their offseason is forcing some people to re-evaluate their outlook heading into this season.
Former NBA star and current ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins talked about the Magic on his podcast, Road Trippin. He predicts the Magic could be the first team to add an All-Star to the trade block.
"The Orlando Magic," the NBA champion said. "They're going to move on from Paolo Banchero. You fired the coach; they're not going to have a run like they're expecting. He will be the first All-Star, All-NBA player traded."
Banchero, 23, signed a five-year, $239 million contract extension last offseason after three impressive seasons. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 draft for a reason and showed that he is one of the better young stars in the league. However, Banchero's numbers last season were underwhelming to say the least. Along with his inconsistent shooting splits, the star forward missed time earlier in the season with a groin injury after missing a good chunk of the previous season. Advanced statistics ranked Banchero among some of the most inconsistent shooters in the entire NBA.
With his injury concerns along with his inconsistent shooting from beyond the arc, it could make sense for Orlando to move on. With Sweeney now taking the reigns as head coach, the team could opt to undergo a new-look rebuild if things do not go according to plan this year. It would even be safe to include Franz Wagner as another potential trade option if the franchise undergoes a "sell" mentality this coming season.
Look at a team like the Memphis Grizzlies, who in 2022, had a breakout season led by two young stars in Jaren Jackson Jr. and Ja Morant. Now, just four seasons later, both players have been dealt and they have made a coaching change in between as well. The NBA moves fast when it comes to teams building up and tearing down and the Magic could very well suffer the same fate soon if there is not clear progress made. Banchero could be the first domino to fall if that were to happen.
Join the Community
Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
