Bolster a rising young core by landing PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford to solve depth issues and provide the physical interior presence needed for an Orlando Magic championship run.
Regardless of the regular-season disappointments, plus giving up a 3-1 lead in the first round of the playoffs to the Detroit Pistons, the Orlando Magic are still capable of winning the Eastern Conference. Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are young rising stars who’ve proven to be one of the most talented duos in the league.
In the first season when championship aspirations were placed on the Magic, injuries kept holding them back – specifically with Wagner, who appeared in just 34 games, plus the final three games against the Pistons. As Sean Sweeney takes the helm from Jamahl Mosley, the organization needs to upgrade the roster to make up for recent failures.
Although the backcourt play was inconsistent, especially with free-agent signing Tyus Jones unable to find a rhythm, the frontcourt could use extra bulk – this mock trade answers that.
Orlando Magic receive: PJ Washington and Daniel Gafford
Dallas Mavericks receive: Jonathan Isaac, Goga Bitadze, Tristan Da Silva, the No. 46 pick, and a 2032 first-round pick (Top-4 protected)
If there’s a situation, like in the last couple of seasons, when Banchero and/or Wagner are sidelined because of lingering injuries, the Magic need depth to step up. Washington has proven to be a reliable ball-handler and shot-maker since arriving in Dallas from the Charlotte Hornets – traded at the 2024 deadline. He’s averaged 14.4 points on 45.1 percent shooting from the field, 35.3 percent from behind the arc, 7.4 rebounds, two assists, and a steal in 31.6 minutes in two full seasons with the Mavericks.
Washington shows grit and hustle on the court, a quality the Magic lacked. He can play as a starter or reserve and on or off the ball. The seven-year veteran is a prime example of versatility.
Gafford would be a significant upgrade to the Magic’s center depth. He provides a paint presence offensively, a lob threat, and rim protection. Gafford averaged 9.5 points on 65.5 percent shooting, 6.9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks in 55 games this past season.
The 27-year-old battled with severe ankle injuries.
Gafford is one of the highest-flying centers in the league. Similar to Washington, he could play as a starter or reserve.
A trade like this would likely require a third team for the Magic to draw extra draft capital. However, it’s an idea to potentially explore as free agency approaches. Although the Magic could run it back and hope injuries don’t impact the season, the front office needs to make moves that will help the team contend for a title.
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Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes and Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
