The Orlando Magic made a predictable move at the trade deadline, shipping out Tyus Jones to shed salary and duck under the luxury tax. But the real story wasn’t the trade itself-it was the cost of making it happen.
To offload Jones’ contract, Orlando had to attach two second-round picks. That’s the kind of price that raises eyebrows, even if the picks themselves-one being the lesser of Orlando’s and Boston’s in 2027, the other Orlando’s own 2028 second-don’t project to be game-changers. Still, it’s a notable shift for a franchise that, until recently, had been careful with its draft capital.
This isn’t an isolated move either. Over the past two transaction windows, the Magic have gone from hoarding picks to spending them like a team with a championship window opening. They sent out four first-rounders to land Desmond Bane, and they’ve moved multiple second-rounders, including a 2025 pick swap, in other deals.
This is a franchise that never had an overflowing war chest of picks to begin with. Unlike some rebuilding teams that stockpile assets through blockbuster trades, Orlando’s reset was more modest. The biggest return came via the Bulls, in a deal that eventually turned into Franz Wagner-a cornerstone piece, no doubt, but not part of a massive draft haul.
Now, that modest stash of picks has thinned out, and with the team set to enter the luxury tax and apron territory starting next season, the stakes have changed. Draft picks aren’t just trade fodder anymore-they’re one of the few tools left to maintain and improve the roster.
Where the Magic Stand with Draft Capital
The trade for Desmond Bane was a clear signal: the Magic believe their window is now. By parting with nearly every first-round pick they had available, Orlando is betting that their selections will land in the 20s for the foreseeable future.
That bet is rooted in the core they’ve locked up long term. Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs are under contract through 2030.
Paolo Banchero’s extension keeps him in Orlando through at least 2030, with a player option in 2031. Desmond Bane won’t hit free agency until 2029.
This is a team built to contend for years, and they’ve committed to that vision. If things go according to plan, those late first-rounders won’t hurt much.
But the frustration this season is that the Magic, if they still held their pick, would be drafting 17th-higher than they expected. They were hoping to be giving up picks in the 20s, not the teens.
Orlando still has some second-round picks to work with, but the overall draft capital is limited. Here’s how things currently break down:
Picks the Magic Control:
- 2026 2nd: Second most favorable of Detroit, Milwaukee, and Orlando
- 2027 1st: Own
- 2028 2nd: More favorable of Lakers and Wizards
- 2029 1st: Pick swap with Memphis (Grizzlies get better pick unless Magic land in top 2)
- 2030 2nd: From Milwaukee
- 2030 2nd: Pick swap with New Orleans
- 2031 1st: Own
- 2031 2nd: More favorable of New Orleans and Oklahoma City
- 2032 1st: Only first-rounder eligible for trade
- 2032 2nd: Own
Picks the Magic Have Traded:
- 2026 1st: To Memphis (via pick swap involving Washington and Phoenix)
- 2027 2nd: To Charlotte (least favorable with Boston)
- 2028 1st: To Portland (via Memphis trade)
- 2028 2nd: To Charlotte
- 2030 1st: To Memphis
- 2030 2nd: To Memphis (if 2029 1st doesn’t convey)
All told, Orlando controls just four first-round picks and six second-rounders through 2032. That’s not a dire situation-there are teams in far worse shape-but it’s a far cry from a team flush with draft assets. And with limited financial flexibility looming, every pick becomes more valuable.
Betting Big on the Core
The Magic’s front office has gone all-in on their young core, and there’s no turning back now. They’ve committed max contracts and long-term deals to the players they believe in, and their recent trades reflect that belief.
Even in a season that’s had its rough patches, the foundation still looks strong. Franz Wagner continues to develop into a two-way force.
Paolo Banchero has shown flashes of stardom. Jalen Suggs has taken a leap defensively.
Desmond Bane hasn’t quite hit the shooting marks Orlando hoped for, but his presence still adds a layer of scoring and spacing that this team badly needed.
The Magic’s willingness to part with draft picks is a reflection of their confidence in this group. And if this season ends up being the low point for this core, then the front office might not lose sleep over the picks they gave up.
But that doesn’t mean the draft becomes irrelevant. Far from it.
The Draft Is Still a Key Tool
Next season, the Magic will be operating under the constraints of the luxury tax and apron. That limits their ability to add talent through free agency or lopsided trades. Which means they’ll need to get creative-and efficient-with how they build out the rest of the roster.
That puts added pressure on the scouting department to find value in the draft, especially in the second round. Hitting on a late first or second-rounder could be the difference between a deep playoff run and a disappointing exit.
Orlando didn’t have a player in this year’s Rising Stars Game for the first time since 2021, but that doesn’t mean the pipeline is dry. Young players like Jase Richardson and Noah Penda have shown flashes of being reliable contributors. Tristan da Silva, now in his second year, has carved out a role as a solid rotation piece.
These are the kinds of players who will be critical to the Magic’s long-term success-cost-controlled, productive role players who can support the stars without breaking the cap.
Final Thoughts
The Magic aren’t just flirting with contention-they’re fully committed to it. The front office has pushed its chips in on a young, talented core, and the moves they’ve made reflect a belief that this group is ready to take the next step.
But the days of draft pick abundance are over. From here on out, every pick matters. Whether it’s to find the next hidden gem or to swing another trade, Orlando’s margin for error has shrunk.
The Magic are no longer rebuilding. They’re building up. And how well they draft from here may determine just how high this team can climb.