The NBA has always been a player-driven league, and in recent years, its power has been amplified. 

Still, players decades ago would leave for new destinations in free agency or request trades. One such player, who was the center of one of the biggest trades of the early 2000s, was former Orlando Magic guard Tracy McGrady. 

Following the 2003-04 season, McGrady was traded to the Houston Rockets after requesting to be moved as a result of growing tension with Orlando's front office following a 21-61 season. McGrady did what he felt was best for his career after giving the Magic four seasons in which he averaged 28.1 points, seven rebounds, and 5.2 assists.

McGrady went on to play eight more NBA seasons, five of which came with the Rockets, but his best years were from 2002 to 2004 as a member of the Magic, when he averaged 32.1 points and 28 points across those two seasons, which were by far the highest marks of his career.

Though McGrady has not donned a Magic jersey in over two decades, he still has ties to the team.

In a recent episode of Portfolio Players, McGrady expressed his deep ties to the Magic and how his investment and deeply rooted bond with the organization will always remain with him.

For McGrady, who was born in Bartow, Fla., and was raised in Auburndale, a Central Florida town a little over an hour southwest of Orlando, it makes sense to have such a connection to what was basically his hometown NBA team. 

That is further amplified by the fact that he played professionally at a very high level for the Magic.

It is a story that carries similarities to LeBron James’ path, as the Akron, Ohio, native played for the Cleveland Cavaliers for 11 seasons across two stints and helped deliver the franchise its first NBA title in 2016.

McGrady clearly has love for the Magic, but does the team have love for him?

During the episode of Portfolio Players, McGrady was asked if the organization had reached out to him about retiring his jersey, to which he answered that he had conversations with personnel around the time when legendary center Shaquille O'Neal had his jersey retired in 2024. 

McGrady said he doesn't know when or if his jersey will be retired, but reiterated that the conversation did happen. Based on further reporting by Portfolio Players, a source within the organization confirmed that McGrady’s jersey retirement has been considered, but a timeline for when it could occur has not been set in stone.