With the NBA trade deadline rapidly approaching, the Orlando Magic find themselves at a financial crossroads - and the rest of the league is watching closely.
According to league sources, Orlando is roughly $5.6 million over the luxury tax line. That’s not a massive number in today’s NBA, but it’s enough to push the front office into action before the deadline.
One potential move being floated: a deal involving Tyus Jones and his $7 million expiring contract. That kind of trade would help the Magic duck under the tax line this season - a short-term fix, but it doesn’t address the bigger picture that’s looming over the franchise.
That picture? The Magic are on track to hit second-apron territory next season, which is the NBA’s new financial red zone under the updated CBA.
That’s a problem for a team still figuring out its long-term identity. They’ll also be heading into rookie extension talks with Anthony Black, a promising young guard who’s expected to command real money starting in 2027-28.
With those negotiations on the horizon, rival teams are wondering if Orlando might look to shed some longer-term salary - either now or in the offseason.
And then there’s the Paolo Banchero question.
The Magic gave Banchero a full max extension last summer, including a player option, betting big on the former No. 1 pick as their franchise cornerstone. But not everyone around the league is sold just yet. One Western Conference executive drew a comparison to Carmelo Anthony - a supremely talented scorer who didn’t always elevate the team around him.
“Banchero is a physically gifted and highly talented player who doesn’t always make his team better,” the exec said. “He’s young, and I’m sure they believe that he can mature into a player who does that. But I’d guess they’re concerned about having given him a full max with an opt out.”
That’s the kind of comment that raises eyebrows. It doesn’t mean Orlando is second-guessing their decision - but it does suggest that other teams are wondering if the Magic might be more open to shaking things up than they’ve let on.
Around the League: Trade Rumblings Heating Up
Orlando isn’t the only team facing big decisions. Here’s a look at some of the other trade chatter making the rounds:
Toronto Raptors: The Raptors are being viewed as a potential buyer at the deadline, largely because they still control their own draft assets - a rarity in today’s NBA. One Eastern Conference executive put it bluntly: “There are only a few teams out there who have full control of their drafts.
That makes (the Raptors) a buyer if they want.” But there’s a catch.
Toronto has $165 million committed to its top five players next season, so they’ll need to be smart with how they use those picks. Any aggressive move will have to thread the needle between short-term impact and long-term flexibility.
Boston Celtics: The Celtics are sitting near the top of the standings, but that doesn’t mean they’re standing pat. Rival teams believe Boston could look to add frontcourt depth, though any move is expected to be more of a marginal upgrade than a blockbuster. A player like Jaren Jackson Jr. would be a dream fit - but it’s more likely the Celtics target a rotation big who can give them minutes behind their stars.
Cleveland Cavaliers: The Cavs are in a fascinating spot. Donovan Mitchell has one more guaranteed year left on his deal, and he still hasn’t made it to the conference finals.
Meanwhile, Cleveland owns the highest payroll in the league and is projected to land in the second apron again next season. According to league sources, the Cavs have been active in trade talks - but it’s unclear what exactly they’re trying to accomplish.
One executive put it this way: “We’re not sure what they’re trying to set up - and they may not be either - but they’re active.” That sounds like a team feeling the pressure to make something happen.
Oklahoma City Thunder: The Thunder have been one of the league’s biggest surprises this season, sitting at 38-11 and looking every bit like a contender. So don’t expect them to rock the boat.
That said, there have been whispers that they’re kicking the tires on center options ahead of the deadline. It’s not a pressing need, but with all their draft capital and young talent, OKC has the flexibility to make a move if the right opportunity presents itself.
Anthony Davis Trade Buzz: A recent report suggested that Anthony Davis’ camp might be open to a move, but his agent Rich Paul quickly shot down the idea, calling it “fake news.” Still, Paul’s comments left just enough wiggle room to keep the rumor mill spinning.
“You care about people’s families. You care about the guys’ well-beings, and you care about if they’re happy,” he said on the Game Over podcast.
“From a business perspective, you want guys to be positioned and you want guys to be paid.” For now, it doesn’t look like Davis is going anywhere before the deadline - but it’s clear his camp is keeping all options on the table for the future.
Final Word
With just days to go before the trade deadline, the landscape is shifting by the hour. Teams like the Magic, Raptors, and Cavaliers are walking a tightrope between building for the future and competing right now.
Others, like the Celtics and Thunder, are looking to fine-tune already strong rosters. And then there are the stars - like Banchero, Mitchell, and Davis - whose long-term futures could quietly be shaping the decisions being made behind closed doors.
This is the time of year when front offices earn their paychecks. The moves made - or not made - over the next few days could reshape the balance of power across the league.