The Orlando Magic have been one of the NBA’s surprise stories, winning seven of their last nine games despite the absence of franchise cornerstone Paolo Banchero. After a rocky start to the season and an early slump from the former No. 1 pick, the Magic caught fire, fueling speculation that the team might actually be better off without him.
Former NBA guard Austin Rivers shut down that narrative. While he acknowledged Orlando’s impressive play and the very real possibility that they could make the postseason without Banchero, Rivers delivered a harsh reality check to anyone entertaining the idea of moving the 2023 Rookie of the Year.
Austin Rivers Shuts Down Paolo Banchero Trade Talk
After acquiring Desmond Bane in the offseason, the Magic, led by Banchero, were expected to take a leap and become legitimate title contenders. Instead, their sluggish 6–6 start quickly raised questions about whether they were even a playoff-caliber team.
Complicating matters further was reported tension between Banchero and head coach Jamahl Mosley. According to RG, the two have struggled to communicate effectively, creating a strained locker-room environment and sparking speculation that Orlando might explore a trade involving its young star.
When Banchero went down with a groin injury, the situation grew more chaotic as the Magic began winning in his absence, and suddenly, a growing portion of the fan base wondered whether the team might actually be better off without him. But Rivers made it clear he wants no part of that narrative.
“To the people in the comments saying we should look to trade Paolo, I need you to stop doing drugs, first of all. Cut it out, stop using. You are out of your f**king mind,” he said.
“What’s gonna happen is you’re gonna trade Paolo, and when you get to the playoffs, the game is gonna slow down, and you guys are gonna struggle scoring the basketball.”
Banchero’s numbers in Year 4 with the Magic are good for someone of his caliber, but they are not spectacular. He’s averaging 21.7 points, 8.7 rebounds, and 4.1 assists while shooting 46.1% from the field and 25% from three.
Rivers acknowledged that the 23-year-old still has room to grow, but he stressed that Banchero’s value becomes most apparent in high-pressure playoff environments and that the young star must return in a way that elevates those around him.
“I do think Paolo still needs to grow,” Rivers added. “He’s not perfect. Far from it, actually. He’s very talented. I think he’s a top-10 player when he’s on his s**t… There are areas for growth. He’s not a finished product yet…
“Paolo has gotta look at the Magic and go, ‘Man, these guys are playing really well without me. What way can I come back and continue to be Paolo Banchero, but allow these guys to hoop?
“He is a star. This is a guy who averaged 30 in the playoffs against the Celtics. There are things that Paolo can look at… It’s a problem that can be easily fixed.”
A trade remains unlikely at this stage, as Orlando has invested heavily in building around Banchero, but the team will undoubtedly expect more from him going forward. Last season, he averaged nearly 26 points and 4.8 assists, shooting 32% from beyond the arc, and the Magic will hope he returns to that level or sets a new career high by season’s end.
