Following their second straight first-round playoff exit, the Orlando Magic are widely expected to pursue a backcourt upgrade this offseason. PFSN’s Brandon Austin foresees the up-and-coming franchise landing one of the Eastern Conference’s top point guards to give it a much-needed injection of “scoring and shooting juice.”
Orlando has its foundational pieces in place with star forwards Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, providing them with reliable primary and secondary scoring options. Meanwhile, fourth-year guard Jalen Suggs thrived as a dynamic two-way hustle player when healthy. However, outside of that trio, the Magic sorely lack an offensive punch, causing their scoring to stagnate at inopportune times.
Fortunately for Orlando, big-name help could be on the way if another middling East squad opts for a rebuild.
Magic Projected to Revamp Backcourt With Blockbuster Deal for Trae Young
In his Sunday article on the “Top 5 Blockbuster Trades the NBA Needs,” Austin predicted that Orlando would acquire Atlanta Hawks star point guard Trae Young. Atlanta (40-42) finished one game behind the Magic (41-41) this season. However, the organization faces far more uncertainty after overhauling its front office, with rumors surrounding its four-time All-Star percolating.
Austin’s proposed trade framework features Orlando parting with Suggs, two reserves and draft capital to get a deal done:
Magic receive: G Trae Young, G Vit Krejčí
Hawks receive: G Jalen Suggs, G Cole Anthony, C Goga Bitadze, 2025 first-round pick (No. 25), 2027 first-round pick
The Magic finished last in the NBA in 3-pointers per game (11.2), 3-point percentage (31.8%) and assists per game (23.0). As a result, they heavily depended on their second-ranked defense (109.1 defensive rating) to stay afloat.
According to Austin, Young’s playmaking and outside shooting threat could help balance out their lopsided statistical profile.
Trae Young’s last 3 seasons: CONSISTENT 🧊
26.2 PPG | 10.2 APG
25.7 PPG | 10.8 APG
24.2 PPG | 11.6 APGHe’s the 6th player EVER with 3 straight 20-PT, 10-AST seasons, joining:
Oscar Robertson (4)
Isiah Thomas (4)
Russell Westbrook (4)
Kevin Johnson (3)
James Harden (3) pic.twitter.com/jEl00xP9jo— NBA (@NBA) April 15, 2025
“Injecting the lineup with some scoring and shooting juice could go a long way toward turning the offense around, and Trae Young could be the missing piece,” Austin wrote. “Orlando lacks a floor general who can run the show and create.
“Young averaged a double-double for the third straight season, with a career-high 11.6 assists per game. He’s also made 35% of his 3-point attempts in his career despite being a volume shooter.”
The analyst also addressed Young’s defensive shortcomings, anticipating Orlando’s ability to compensate for them as it seeks to contend.
“Though Young is a liability on defense, the Magic have a strong defensive foundation,” Austin wrote. “Young’s playmaking, shot creation and confidence in the clutch could help this young team make a deep playoff run.”
Trading Suggs Could Be Necessary for Orlando to Take the Next Step
As for the Magic’s willingness to move on from Suggs, Austin added that it may be necessary in order to take on the remainder of Young’s five-year, $215,159,700 contract. The one-time All-NBA selectee is set to earn $46 million next season, more than any Orlando player.
“It’s difficult to imagine Atlanta not asking for Suggs as part of the trade package,” Austin wrote. “Though he has a bright future ahead, moving off Suggs’ $35 million salary could help ease Orlando’s pockets with Young’s hefty contract and Banchero soon to be getting paid.”
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Across 76 outings this season, Young averaged 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 11.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.9 3-pointers per game, shooting 41.1%, including 34.0% from deep.