NBA rumors: The Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner reason Magic aren’t a serious Giannis Antetokounmpo trade suitor appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Orlando Magic were frequently linked to Giannis Antetokounmpo throughout the season, but NBA insider Jake Fischer recently explained why the franchise is unlikely to emerge as a serious contender in any potential trade pursuit of the Milwaukee Bucks superstar.
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Speaking on Bleacher Report’s NBA Insider Notebook, Fischer addressed speculation that Orlando’s hiring of new head coach Sean Sweeney could somehow be connected to a larger effort to attract Antetokounmpo. Sweeney previously worked as an assistant coach in Milwaukee before joining the Magic.
“Even though Sweeney was an assistant in Milwaukee, I don’t think that means anything further than just the fact that it is,” Fischer said. “I don’t think he’s one piece of a bigger scheme that Orlando is trying to make the Magic look like a destination that Giannis would want.”
Fischer then identified the primary obstacle standing in the way of any realistic trade discussions between Orlando and the Milwaukee Bucks.
“I don’t see a path for Orlando to trade for Giannis without including Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner and I don’t think that the Magic are willing to do that at this juncture.”
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The reluctance to part with either Paolo Banchero or Franz Wagner is understandable given their importance to the organization’s future. Banchero remains the centerpiece of the franchise after signing a maximum rookie extension, while Wagner has developed into one of the league’s most versatile two-way forwards.
Magic interest in Giannis Antetokounmpo tempered by Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner reality
© Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
Fischer’s comments come after months of speculation connecting Orlando to Antetokounmpo. The Magic reportedly expressed interest in acquiring the former MVP before the trade deadline, and former Bucks player Charlie Villanueva fueled those rumors earlier this season when he predicted Antetokounmpo would ultimately land in Orlando in a trade involving Banchero.
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Fischer also pointed to another challenge for Orlando: the lack of draft capital available after the franchise’s blockbuster acquisition of Desmond Bane.
“And the draft capital that they sent for Desmond Bane pretty much takes them out of any arms race that is going to exist for Giannis,” Fischer said.
Milwaukee is expected to seek a massive return if it ever seriously entertains moving the two-time MVP. Any package would likely require elite young talent, premium draft assets or both. Orlando’s current roster construction makes it difficult to meet those demands without sacrificing the very foundation the organization has spent years building.
The Magic enter the offseason looking to rebound from a disappointing finish. Orlando squandered a 3-1 first-round series lead against the Detroit Pistons, extending the franchise’s wait for its first playoff series victory since 2010.
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As speculation surrounding Antetokounmpo continues, Fischer’s assessment suggests Orlando remains focused on building around Banchero and Wagner rather than pursuing a franchise-altering trade.
Related: Magic’s best Giannis Antetokounmpo trade offer to Bucks right now after hiring Sean Sweeney