The Orlando Magic are once again linked to trade for Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young, even after acquiring Desmond Bane. While the move could cost Orlando its defensive identity and draft capital, it would add one of the NBA’s elite scorers and playmakers, potentially transforming the Magic.
Throughout the offseason, the Orlando Magic were widely expected to make a blockbuster move after president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman declared a “win-now” mindset. To kick off the summer, they did so by pulling off a massive deal with the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane. The move came as a surprise, as many had speculated a different star was on the Magic’s radar.
Atlanta Hawks superstar Trae Young was one of the most talked-about trade targets for Orlando heading into the offseason. While a deal never materialized, new trade projections have once again linked Young to the Magic.
Bleacher Report recently predicted if the trade deadline began before the season the Magic would agree on a blockbuster deal with the Hawks for Young.
Details:
Jalen Suggs, Jonathan Isaac, a 2029 first-round pick swap, a 2031 first-round pick swap and a 2032 first-round pick for Trae Young
“The Hawks have built what appears to be a near-ideal roster around Trae Young,” Bleacher Report wrote. “With loads of defensive versatility and catch-and-shoot options. Prying the offensive engine away may be tough.”
“However, this deal gives Atlanta a culture-setting defender in Jalen Suggs,” the article added. “Jonathan Isaac's very movable contract (it runs through 2028-29 and never pays him more than $15 million in a year) and potentially three first-round picks.”
The trade is shocking because it would force the Magic to sacrifice their defensive identity by parting with two of their strongest anchors, one in the backcourt and another in the frontcourt. It would also cost them much of their remaining draft capital, signaling a full commitment to winning now.
However, the potential return is just as dramatic. The Magic would be acquiring one of the league’s premier scorers and playmakers, a career 35 percent three-point shooter who also led the NBA in assists last season. Paired with Desmond Bane, Orlando would instantly transform into one of the league’s top perimeter-shooting teams. A stunning turnaround for a franchise ranked among the NBA’s worst from beyond the arc just a season ago.
“Atlanta, meanwhile, would pair one of the game's best playmakers with its dynamic duo of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, which would take pressure off the forwards and give them significantly more open looks in the halfcourt.
“Atlanta would pair one of the game's best playmakers with its dynamic duo of Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero,” the article said. “Which would take pressure off the forwards and give them significantly more open looks in the halfcourt.”
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