The Orlando Magic imagined a power vacuum at the top of the Eastern Conference and cashed in their chips to bring in Desmond Bane. However, the returns haven’t set the world on fire, with the team finishing in the Play-In.
Understandably, it seems inevitable that the season will end in disappointment. In that scenario, one analyst wants them to pull the trigger on the unbelievable and trade away franchise cornerstone Paolo Banchero.
Orlando Magic Embrace the Win-Now Mode
When he first walked into the franchise as the first overall pick, the Magic were essentially going nowhere. But he quickly built them into a frisky playoff team, making the postseason in each of the last two seasons.
However, the ups and downs have been stark with the young star. Even though his combination of size and finesse remains rare in this league, he hasn’t taken full advantage of it. As a result, inconsistency and inefficiency continue to plague him.
But at 23, he still has a ton of potential and future upside. Yet, Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report believes Orlando needs to go in a different direction. After their trade for Bane in the summer, he wants them to go all-in.
Bailey’s trade idea:Â
Orlando Magic Get:Â Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks Get: Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr., a first-round pick swap in 2031, and a 2032 first-round pick
That means parting ways with Banchero to bring in one of the best players in the world, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The rationale for the move is rather straightforward, with the two-time MVP dropping not-too-subtle hints about his desire to move on from the franchise.
“The earlier idea included the Orlando Magic surrendering Anthony Black, but as the relationship between Giannis and Milwaukee seems to get more acrimonious with each passing week, the Bucks may be more desperate to make a move.”
That could serve as the foundation for the trade, where Bailey believes the Magic would need to give up a 2031 first-round pick swap, a 2032 first-round pick, and Wendell Carter Jr. alongside Banchero to bring in Antetokounmpo.
It would give them an instant superstar while the Bucks would still have a 23-year-old former All-Star at their disposal, who “is 6’10” and has averaged 23.3 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 5.1 assists over the last three seasons.”
The main concern with Banchero is his inefficiency. But after Milwaukee forced Antetokounmpo to sit out the last few games despite his public desire to suit up, they might be willing to bite that bullet for the potential upside.
“Paolo Banchero’s scoring inefficiency is a little alarming, but players with his combination of size and playmaking ability are still rare. And there’s plenty of time to iron out his jump shot. He still has face-of-a-good-team potential.”
For the Magic, it would be a dangerous move, especially given the Greek Freak’s injury history. However, Bailey believes they have already made their bed, and this might be the best way to actually get some reward out of it.
“But last summer’s Desmond Bane trade put this team firmly in a win-now window. And Antetokounmpo would immediately push them closer to title contention.” It remains to be seen if Orlando would pull off such a league-shaking move, but a disappointing end to the season could push them in a new direction.
