The Orlando Magic are one of the stronger teams in the Eastern Conference built by their youth. The team has multiple stars under the age of 25 and under contract for the foreseeable future. However, there is always room for improvement and there are plenty of stars available in trade talks before the deadline. The Magic have lacked perimeter shooting over the past few seasons and made a big move for Desmond Bane last offseason. Now, they have the opportunity to make an even bigger blockbuster deal but signs are pointing to the team holding off on making a midseason trade.
CBS Sports released an article, noting potential destinations for Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Magic are viewed as a potential destination for Antetokounmpo this offseason but not at the deadline.
"This is a serious summer team to watch, in my opinion," the article wrote. "Imagine starting your rebuild with Paolo Banchero and Anthony Black or Jalen Suggs. Orlando doesn't have a ton of draft capital as it gave it away in the Desmond Bane deal, but in the form of actual players that's a strong sell. Problem is, Banchero is a poison-pill contract, which becomes very difficult to deal before his rookie extension actually kicks in and he can just be aggregated at what his 2026-27 salary will be. I suppose the Magic could do the same deal with Franz Wagner and do it at the deadline, but at this point, my guess is they see Wagner as the better player and better potential fit with Giannis. Keep an eye on this if Giannis doesn't get moved next week."
The Magic have plenty of young talent to include in a potential offer. A deal would presumably need to begin with Franz Wagner or Paolo Banchero as one of the pieces along with other young talent such as Anthony Black, Jase Richardson, Tristan da Silva or Noah Penda. The Bucks are not actively shopping the former MVP but different reports claim Antetokounmpo is ready for a new home.
Trading for Antetokounmpo would set the Magic up nicely in the Eastern Conference, but as the CBS Sports article notes, it may have to wait until the offseason if Orlando is a realistic destination.
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