The Orlando Magic finished the regular season with the second-best defense in the league. At the same time, they were among the five worst offenses in the league. Despite having two incredible forwards like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero, the Magic struggle on the offensive end. In the first two playoff games, those difficulties were more evident than ever. They scored 86 points in the first game and 100 in the second. With these issues, the Orlando Magic could be one of the most intriguing teams in the offseason.
This offseason, the Orlando Magic have seven players with team options. They will have a lot of work to do before finalizing the roster. The first thing they need to do is sign Banchero to a long-term contract extension. He has one more year on a team option in the summer. Once this is done, the Magic will need to balance their roster and add more offensive firepower.
The Magic have all their future first-round picks, which is the starting point for a big trade. They also have a pick swap in 2026 between Washington Wizards and Phoenix Suns. In short, the Magic are the middle team and will get the second-best pick of the three. Considering Washington and Phoenix’s rosters, it could end up being a late lottery pick. They also have a first-round pick from Denver in the 2025 draft and many second-round picks.
Moreover, they have a couple of young players who can help rebuild teams or mid-tier teams. Between Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac, Wendell Carter Jr, Anthony Black, Goga Bitadze, Jalen Suggs, and Tristan Da Silva, the Magic can make a compelling offer for a star.
Superstars the Magic Could Target
The Magic finished the regular season last in assists per game as a team. They averaged just 23 assists per game. In comparison, even the Suns, who were very isolated, averaged 27.8 per game. This is the reality. The two players with the most assists on the Magic are Wagner and Banchero. Suggs is an incredible point guard who can defend and be a nuisance on defense, but his playmaking ability leaves much to be desired. The same can be said of Black and Anthony.
If players like Trae Young were available, the Magic should seize the opportunity. Unlike the Atlanta Hawks, that could be the perfect trade for both teams. Another option is pursuing Damian Lillard from the Milwaukee Bucks. If Milwaukee falters in the playoffs, which seems a possibility right now, there will be changes. The Bucks have a star that the Magic can leverage, while Orlando can help Milwaukee shore up its roster around Giannis Antetokounmpo. Last but not least, they could try to land LaMelo Ball, a pass-first point guard who will enhance their assists and orchestrate the offense.
But here’s the real trick. The Magic could also decide to go after big players. They have the assets for a trade for Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving or, if all hell breaks loose, Giannis. In any case, the Magic will be a dark horse for a trade in the offseason. They need to improve their offense, and their payroll doesn’t give them the flexibility to go after free agents. Currently, they have $199 million in projected salary for next season, which puts them above the luxury tax threshold. With many young players and draft capital, the Magic could be the Houston Rockets of the East.
This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Orlando Magic, el equipo que se podría convertir en candidato a ganar la NBA en 2026
