The Orlando Magic lost in five games in the first round and could make a trade to add more talent this offseason.
The Orlando Magic once again had their season end in the first round, falling to the Boston Celtics in five games.Â
It’s clear that Orlando has a talented young core and a defense-first identity, although, for now, they lack the star power to emerge as one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference. Squads like the Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, New York Knicks, and Indiana Pacers aren’t going anywhere, and it seems that the Detroit Pistons have jumped the Magic in the East.
In a bid to avoid the play-in next season, the Magic might make a splashy offseason move.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty ImagesOrlando Magic could target Ja Morant
Is Jalen Suggs a true point guard? He fits in very well next to Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero and should not be considered in a trade this summer, but he might be best served as a shooting guard, especially if he can get back to his 39.7% mark from deep from last season.
As the Memphis Grizzlies retool after a first-round exit of their own, Ja Morant has found himself in trade rumors. While his reputation doesn’t exactly fit in with the Magic’s established culture, he is a talented All-Star guard who, when healthy, is the most exciting player in the league.
On top of his undeniable talents, a change of scenery might do him well. With multiple suspensions and injury concerns, patience from Memphis’ front office might be wearing thin, and if the Magic made a solid offer, the Grizzlies would have to consider it.
Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty ImagesMock trade sends Morant to Orlando
The Magic have matching salary, draft picks, and young talent to move the needle. Morant has been linked to the Milwaukee Bucks and Houston Rockets by former players, but the Magic’s timeline fits well with Morant, who is only 25.
Full mock trade details:
Magic receive: Ja MorantGrizzlies receive: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Jonathan Isaac, Jett Howard, 2025 first-round pick (via DEN), 2028 first-round pick
Caldwell-Pope, after winning a title with the Denver Nuggets, signed a more lucrative deal with the Magic, although he did not offer the shooting that was expected. Isaac is set to make $15 million next season but has not averaged 20 minutes since 2019-20, so maybe a change of scenery would do well for him.
Finally, Howard is a promising young player who has simply been the odd man out in Orlando, and the draft capital, while steep, would sweeten the pot and dissuade the Grizzlies from considering any other offers.