The Orlando Magic aren’t sitting in a bad spot ahead of the NBA trade deadline, as they sit with a 25-22 record. Yet, considering the talent they have on the team, they should be performing much better.
*Prediction*
One player in particular who hasn’t played up to his potential this season for the Magic has been Paolo Banchero, and it could very well lead to the Magic moving on from him if things don’t turn around.
If this ends up being the case, the team that makes the most sense to look to trade for Paolo Banchero is the Chicago Bulls.
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Orlando Magic Will Trade Paolo Banchero to the Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls, over the past few seasons, have started to turn things around as a team. As showcased by their 24-25 record this season, and having made the NBA Play-In last season. Yet, they still need more players to help build on the recent success.
They have one of their star players already figured out with Josh Giddey, but they need someone else alongside him. That is why the Bulls will need to look to trade for Paolo Banchero, but it is a move that will have to wait for the offseason.
For as much as Banchero has struggled this season with the Magic, they can’t necessarily trade him yet. Due to the new CBA with the poison pill factor, trading Banchero now would do more harm than good for Orlando.
This was broke down by Josh Cornelissen, as he said, “Banchero is making $15 million this season but will average an estimated $48 million over his contract. In any big-time trade, the Magic would have to add outgoing salary to a deal that routes to third and fourth teams – given trade restrictions and tax realities, that is functionally impossible.”
Once the offseason comes around, things are a bit more feasible for the Magic to trade Banchero, and that is where the Bulls must look to acquire him.
While Paolo Banchero hasn’t shown the necessary development to be the top star player the Magic can rely on, a change of scenery could do him some good. Landing in Chicago with another top scorer like Giddey could help him get back on track.
When it comes to Paolo Banchero, he has averaged 22.3 points, 4.7 assists, and 7.3 rebounds per game over four years so far. Banchero has the scoring ability to play alongside Giddey well, and be a great player to help boost Chicago’s offensive production. By trading for Banchero, the Bulls would also get someone who can help provide consistent defense as well.
With Paolo Banchero being just 23 years old, pairing him up with Giddey would be ideal, as the Bulls would have their duo to build around for the future.