The Orlando Magic have quietly built one of the most intriguing young cores in the Eastern Conference - and they’re doing it the right way. With multiple rising stars under 25 and locked in for the foreseeable future, the Magic are ahead of schedule in their rebuild. But even with all that promise, there’s still one glaring area they’ve struggled to address: perimeter shooting.
Last offseason, Orlando made a significant swing by trading for Desmond Bane, a move that signaled their intent to get serious about spacing the floor. That deal cost them some valuable draft capital, but it also gave them a proven shooter who fits the timeline of their budding stars. Now, with the trade deadline approaching, the Magic find themselves at a crossroads - do they go all-in now, or wait for a bigger opportunity down the road?
Enter Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Yes, that Giannis. The two-time MVP and one of the most dominant forces in the game today.
While the Milwaukee Bucks aren’t actively shopping him, there’s growing chatter around the league that the Greek Freak might be open to a new chapter. And according to recent reports, Orlando is on the shortlist of teams to watch - not for a deadline deal, but as a serious offseason player.
Here’s where things get interesting.
The Magic have the kind of young, controllable talent that could make a blockbuster trade like this possible. Think Franz Wagner or Paolo Banchero as the centerpiece, with additional pieces like Anthony Black, Jase Richardson, Tristan da Silva, or Noah Penda rounding out a potential package. That’s the kind of offer that gets a team’s attention, even one holding a generational star.
But there are complications.
Banchero, for instance, is currently on what’s known as a “poison-pill” contract - a quirk of the CBA that makes it tough to trade players who’ve signed an extension that hasn’t kicked in yet. That means dealing him before the offseason would be a logistical headache. Wagner, on the other hand, could be moved more easily, but there’s a growing sense around the league that the Magic view him as the better long-term fit next to someone like Giannis.
So while the idea of Giannis in a Magic uniform is tantalizing, the timing just doesn’t seem right - at least not yet. The smarter play might be to let this season play out, continue evaluating the young core, and revisit the idea once the offseason arrives and the cap mechanics become a little more favorable.
And make no mistake: if Giannis does become available this summer, Orlando will be a team to watch. They’ve got the talent, they’ve got the vision, and they’ve already shown they’re not afraid to make bold moves when the opportunity is right.
For now, though, it looks like the Magic are content to let their young stars continue to grow and see how far this group can go on its own. But the groundwork is being laid - and if the right opportunity presents itself, don’t be surprised if Orlando is ready to make a franchise-altering leap.