After losing in the first round of the playoffs in each of the last two games, the Orlando Magic are expected to explore a massive offseason move.
The Orlando Magic, despite not making it past the first round since 2010, are one of the best young teams in the Eastern Conference. Between Orlando and the Detroit Pistons, the East is expected to go through the small markets for the next several seasons, although both teams are a few pieces away from competing for a title.
The Magic, built around Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, and to a lesser extent, Jalen Suggs, are a hard-nosed, defensive-minded team, although they have long struggled with both shooting and scoring.
Some mock trades from various outlets have moved Damian Lillard to the Magic, although a former Lillard teammate who doesn’t have a torn Achilles is a much more sensible fit.
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY SportsAnfernee Simons has been linked to Orlando Magic
After an injury-riddled season for Suggs and a disappointing first year in Orlando for Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Magic would be smart to bolster their backcourt.
Suggs, when healthy, can play both on and off the ball, and thanks to the rest of the lineup’s defensive chops, the Magic can add an offensive-minded player.
According to one league insider, the Magic have their sights set on one player in particular.
“As a new offseason beckons, another Trail Blazer has been increasingly projected as an Orlando target: Lillard’s former Blazers backcourt mate Anfernee Simons,” reported Marc Stein.
“The 25-year-old is an Orlando native who would certainly blend in nicely from a timeline perspective alongside Banchero and Wagner.”
Simons played 70 games for just the second time in his career this season, and shot 36.3% from deep while averaging 19.3 points and 4.8 assists. A starting five of Suggs, Simons, Banchero, Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. should be enough for the Magic to make it past the first round, provided their core continues to improve.
Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty ImagesTrade package lands Magic Simons
Simons is a little ahead of the rest of the Portland Trail Blazers’ core, namely Scoot Henderson, Shaedon Sharpe, and Donovan Clingan. As a result, he has long been included in mock trades and rumors.
The Blazers are still in the midst of a rebuild despite a promising end to their season last year, and would value young assets and draft picks more than anything else.
Simons is entering the last season of his $100 million extension, and the Blazers, who are saddled by massive contracts, would also like some financial flexibility, or at least as much as can be afforded
Mock trade details
Magic receive: Anfernee SimonsTrail Blazers receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Gary Harris, Jett Howard, 2026 first round pick (swap rights with WSH or PHX), 2026 second-round pick, 2027 second-round pick
The Magic cement their starting lineup without sacrificing too much depth, and the Blazers get a young player in Howard, an expiring contract in Harris, and Caldwell-Pope, who has two seasons left on his deal.
In order to sweeten the pot for taking back KCP, the Trail Blazers nab two extra second-round picks, and, for Simons, also get a first-round pick that can be swapped with the least favorable of Washington or Phoenix, although with the way both of those teams played, a swap is likely.
Orlando still has seven first-round picks to use or save for a bigger deal, and Portland is able to add to their arsenal of draft picks and continue their rebuild under head coach Chauncey Billups.