Official 2025-2026 Magic Trade ideas thread

[OrlandoDream]

If we make a trade, its most likely going to be to upgrade the bench. With how much we have given up for Bane, Weltman and the FO will be hellbent on sticking with these starting 5 for the foreseeable future. The fact that our starters have the best rating of any team in the NBA is encouraging.

Basically, everyone outside Tristan and Mo can be traded for an upgrade bench rotation player. AB has the most value prob so it would be smart to sell high on him. Were not gonna sign him to an extension after next season. He is expandable.

[Skybox]

The endless drivel thread.

productive contribution as usual...you can skip anything you can't comprehend

[Skybox]

If we make a trade, its most likely going to be to upgrade the bench. With how much we have given up for Bane, Weltman and the FO will be hellbent on sticking with these starting 5 for the foreseeable future. The fact that our starters have the best rating of any team in the NBA is encouraging.

Basically, everyone outside Tristan and Mo can be traded for an upgrade bench rotation player. AB has the most value prob so it would be smart to sell high on him. Were not gonna sign him to an extension after next season. He is expandable.

that sounds good but we basically don't have any picks to trade (just a couple which is a scary situation)...so you're proposing trading bad players for better players?

[Skybox]

I hate the “Paolo + Franz doesn’t work” narrative.

Paolo just turned 23!

For years people said the same things about Tatum & Brown … and they were right! … until they weren’t!

Orlando is lucky to have this “problem” and the worst move possible would be to blow it up before giving it a real chance to happen.

I hate it too...their ages are now irrelevant since they're both on max deals (maybe a Supermax for PB). Bane and Suggs' deals (not to mention WCJ & Isaac) put us into precarious position. ORL doesn't necessarily have the luxury of waiting and hoping while flirting with the second apron...it's not your money, but it's somebody's and they may not have your patience with it.

I don't really want to or think they should trade Paolo (yet), but the idea that "everything will just work out in time" is not the way the NBA works anymore - unless this already thin fanbase happily keeps paying for seats at the KIA Center. I would expect that if this team doesn't take a leap forward, Mose will be replaced by the New Year - why wait longer? We'll know by then if he has a creative way to use them together and/or has the ability to get the team to play the right way.

I'll say it again, Paolo is the MVP/Star of this team and the only potential MVP candidate since Dwight. I know how good he is-I'm higher on him than most here who dissect his every miss...but if they're going down the wrong path, they need to do something to change course sooner rather than later
...and "waive Isaac", "dump Jett", "pack up some srps" or even "Trade AB while he still has SOME value before his extension" are all just mental masturbation. You don't get something for nothing. I have Paolo as a more valuable chip than Franz but I have Franz as more adaptable and a better defender, so I'd prefer to shop the bigger profile guy who doesn't have as complete a game and keep the guy who is more likely to mesh with different players.

Also, why would you keep reading if it's so very upsetting to your tummy? just skip the trade threads and go right to the "yay-we beat the Nets" thread.

[Skybox]

Stop with the **** Paolo trades. People were saying same stuff with Brown / Tatum. We’ll try 2-3 coaches to try and get the pairing to work before trading a future superstar

He's presently a superstar - not a future superstar.

I agree that most likely move is a new veteran coach with a vision for the Big Two and Bane...sooner, the better. If you don't like trade discussions, they're optional.

[OrlandoDream]

If we make a trade, its most likely going to be to upgrade the bench. With how much we have given up for Bane, Weltman and the FO will be hellbent on sticking with these starting 5 for the foreseeable future. The fact that our starters have the best rating of any team in the NBA is encouraging.

Basically, everyone outside Tristan and Mo can be traded for an upgrade bench rotation player. AB has the most value prob so it would be smart to sell high on him. Were not gonna sign him to an extension after next season. He is expandable.

that sounds good but we basically don't have any picks to trade (just a couple which is a scary situation)...so you're proposing trading bad players for better players?

AB is not a bad player. He is just not a good fit for this team. Kings are about to blow it up. If not Keon Ellis, AB can net us some decent bench wing. And yes, we dont have any FRP to deal right now. The ones we have left, need to keep.

[Skybox]

If we make a trade, its most likely going to be to upgrade the bench. With how much we have given up for Bane, Weltman and the FO will be hellbent on sticking with these starting 5 for the foreseeable future. The fact that our starters have the best rating of any team in the NBA is encouraging.

Basically, everyone outside Tristan and Mo can be traded for an upgrade bench rotation player. AB has the most value prob so it would be smart to sell high on him. Were not gonna sign him to an extension after next season. He is expandable.

that sounds good but we basically don't have any picks to trade (just a couple which is a scary situation)...so you're proposing trading bad players for better players?

AB is not a bad player. He is just not a good fit for this team. Kings are about to blow it up. If not Keon Ellis, AB can net us some decent bench wing. And yes, we dont have any FRP to deal right now. The ones we have left, need to keep.

Agree about AB…just not sure what comes back for him…any ideas?

[tiderulz]

I hate the “Paolo + Franz doesn’t work” narrative.

Paolo just turned 23!

For years people said the same things about Tatum & Brown … and they were right! … until they weren’t!

Orlando is lucky to have this “problem” and the worst move possible would be to blow it up before giving it a real chance to happen.

I hate it too...their ages are now irrelevant since they're both on max deals (maybe a Supermax for PB). Bane and Suggs' deals (not to mention WCJ & Isaac) put us into precarious position. ORL doesn't necessarily have the luxury of waiting and hoping while flirting with the second apron...it's not your money, but it's somebody's and they may not have your patience with it.

I don't really want to or think they should trade Paolo (yet), but the idea that "everything will just work out in time" is not the way the NBA works anymore - unless this already thin fanbase happily keeps paying for seats at the KIA Center. I would expect that if this team doesn't take a leap forward, Mose will be replaced by the New Year - why wait longer? We'll know by then if he has a creative way to use them together and/or has the ability to get the team to play the right way.

I'll say it again, Paolo is the MVP/Star of this team and the only potential MVP candidate since Dwight. I know how good he is-I'm higher on him than most here who dissect his every miss...but if they're going down the wrong path, they need to do something to change course sooner rather than later
...and "waive Isaac", "dump Jett", "pack up some srps" or even "Trade AB while he still has SOME value before his extension" are all just mental masturbation. You don't get something for nothing. I have Paolo as a more valuable chip than Franz but I have Franz as more adaptable and a better defender, so I'd prefer to shop the bigger profile guy who doesn't have as complete a game and keep the guy who is more likely to mesh with different players.

Also, why would you keep reading if it's so very upsetting to your tummy? just skip the trade threads and go right to the "yay-we beat the Nets" thread.

and people would wonder why we cant get stars to Orlando. you would trade Banchero instead of getting a better head coach who can figure out the offense. Mosely, as a first time head coach, came in and helped grind out the players and instill defense attitude, but our offense has been horrible for years. Nothing suggests Banchero isnt coachable, and he doesnt shrink performing in the bright lights, but sure lets trade that guy away.

[Skybox]

I hate the “Paolo + Franz doesn’t work” narrative.

Paolo just turned 23!

For years people said the same things about Tatum & Brown … and they were right! … until they weren’t!

Orlando is lucky to have this “problem” and the worst move possible would be to blow it up before giving it a real chance to happen.

I hate it too...their ages are now irrelevant since they're both on max deals (maybe a Supermax for PB). Bane and Suggs' deals (not to mention WCJ & Isaac) put us into precarious position. ORL doesn't necessarily have the luxury of waiting and hoping while flirting with the second apron...it's not your money, but it's somebody's and they may not have your patience with it.

I don't really want to or think they should trade Paolo (yet), but the idea that "everything will just work out in time" is not the way the NBA works anymore - unless this already thin fanbase happily keeps paying for seats at the KIA Center. I would expect that if this team doesn't take a leap forward, Mose will be replaced by the New Year - why wait longer? We'll know by then if he has a creative way to use them together and/or has the ability to get the team to play the right way.

I'll say it again, Paolo is the MVP/Star of this team and the only potential MVP candidate since Dwight. I know how good he is-I'm higher on him than most here who dissect his every miss...but if they're going down the wrong path, they need to do something to change course sooner rather than later
...and "waive Isaac", "dump Jett", "pack up some srps" or even "Trade AB while he still has SOME value before his extension" are all just mental masturbation. You don't get something for nothing. I have Paolo as a more valuable chip than Franz but I have Franz as more adaptable and a better defender, so I'd prefer to shop the bigger profile guy who doesn't have as complete a game and keep the guy who is more likely to mesh with different players.

Also, why would you keep reading if it's so very upsetting to your tummy? just skip the trade threads and go right to the "yay-we beat the Nets" thread.

and people would wonder why we cant get stars to Orlando. you would trade Banchero instead of getting a better head coach who can figure out the offense. Mosely, as a first time head coach, came in and helped grind out the players and instill defense attitude, but our offense has been horrible for years. Nothing suggests Banchero isnt coachable, and he doesnt shrink performing in the bright lights, but sure lets trade that guy away.

what a great point...I have driven away "stars" with a trade concept

I don't know how many times I can say...IT'S JUST SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT - I'M NOT TRADING ANYONE...

I don't know how many times I can say...This is REALGM, not REALCHEERLEADER...why even read the trade threads if it makes your panties twist?

IF everything on here was going to be my legacy and we should only talk about real suggestions...yes, bring in Malone tomorrow. Stop wasting everyone's prime and demand success commensurate with the payroll...Malone is self-assured enough that if he didn't have a clear vision of how to use this core effectively - he won't take the job...if top coaches don't have a thrilling vision, then the FO needs a different direction (or maybe a new FO).

Perfectly matched good talent in an appropriate scheme will defeat poorly matched great talent playing however they want.

[basketballRob]

I think AB is taking more of an AG developmental route.

[MagicFan101]

Would any combination of AB, Howard, Isaac’s deal have value to a team?

Hopefully Jase comes along enough by the trade deadline that we feel open to more options.

Even a 2026 mid FRP + a contract would be great given how strong this class is.

Just depends on progress of Suggs, Jase, Tyus

[Skybox]

What would the group consider AB's trade value to be...in terms of pick(s)?

I think a lot of teams would be interested in obtaining him but I don't think he pulls a frp at this time. Maybe if paired with an expiring Jett at the TD, assuming we took back salary and the other team let Jett's $5.5m deal expire (AB's next year is $10.1m)...we could take back $14m in salary from a team with a different trajectory...If it was for garbage players, maybe we get a late frp...more likely, no picks but maybe a rotation player like an older vet, etc...maybe, for example, CHA would like the pairing of AB with Lamelo - ORL could take back Grant Williams' expiring (after next year) $14.3m. He blew his knee up pretty badly and hasn't been (and may not be) back yet...maybe AB & Jett for Williams gets us a lottery protected frp? Williams, at one time, was a pretty valuable 3&D tough guy for BOS, but I think he's been pretty banged up and unreliable and, apparently, not a welcome guy in his brief stay in DAL.

Anyway...what could AB bring back in trade and would it be more or less valuable than his contribution here?

[MasterGMer]

What would the group consider AB's trade value to be...in terms of pick(s)?

I think a lot of teams would be interested in obtaining him but I don't think he pulls a frp at this time. Maybe if paired with an expiring Jett at the TD, assuming we took back salary and the other team let Jett's $5.5m deal expire (AB's next year is $10.1m)...we could take back $14m in salary from a team with a different trajectory...If it was for garbage players, maybe we get a late frp...more likely, no picks but maybe a rotation player like an older vet, etc...maybe, for example, CHA would like the pairing of AB with Lamelo - ORL could take back Grant Williams' expiring (after next year) $14.3m. He blew his knee up pretty badly and hasn't been (and may not be) back yet...maybe AB & Jett for Williams gets us a lottery protected frp? Williams, at one time, was a pretty valuable 3&D tough guy for BOS, but I think he's been pretty banged up and unreliable and, apparently, not a welcome guy in his brief stay in DAL.

Anyway...what could AB bring back in trade and would it be more or less valuable than his contribution here?

What is the incentives of trading AB? He is eligible to sign his Rookie extension 2026 summer.

But we would have some manuever to do. Why? We might hit second apron.

However, if he has a breakout season this year, I don't think he would be the odd man out. We will waive or trade someone else while keeping AB

That is my hypothetical.

But I do not see any incentive of moving on from him. Our PG rotation needs him and Tyus has been struggling. Suggs can not play back to back plus he is hurt

[VFX]

What would the group consider AB's trade value to be...in terms of pick(s)?

I think a lot of teams would be interested in obtaining him but I don't think he pulls a frp at this time. Maybe if paired with an expiring Jett at the TD, assuming we took back salary and the other team let Jett's $5.5m deal expire (AB's next year is $10.1m)...we could take back $14m in salary from a team with a different trajectory...If it was for garbage players, maybe we get a late frp...more likely, no picks but maybe a rotation player like an older vet, etc...maybe, for example, CHA would like the pairing of AB with Lamelo - ORL could take back Grant Williams' expiring (after next year) $14.3m. He blew his knee up pretty badly and hasn't been (and may not be) back yet...maybe AB & Jett for Williams gets us a lottery protected frp? Williams, at one time, was a pretty valuable 3&D tough guy for BOS, but I think he's been pretty banged up and unreliable and, apparently, not a welcome guy in his brief stay in DAL.

Anyway...what could AB bring back in trade and would it be more or less valuable than his contribution here?

What is the incentives of trading AB? He is eligible to sign his Rookie extension 2026 summer.

But we would have some manuever to do. Why? We might hit second apron.

However, if he has a breakout season this year, I don't think he would be the odd man out. We will waive or trade someone else while keeping AB

That is my hypothetical.

But I do not see any incentive of moving on from him. Our PG rotation needs him and Tyus has been struggling. Suggs can not play back to back plus he is hurt

Simple.

AB does nothing off the bench we need and re-signing him down the line would make the cap situation impossible.

He’s been negligible for 7/13 games, is nearly 1:1 in a/to, and is -53 +/- total for the season so far. For reference, Suggs is +85, 44/30 a/to, and that’s on limited minutes missing games.

Magic need someone that creates reliable offense off the bench. Not the prospect of possibly creating offense in the best case scenario.

[tiderulz]

I hate it too...their ages are now irrelevant since they're both on max deals (maybe a Supermax for PB). Bane and Suggs' deals (not to mention WCJ & Isaac) put us into precarious position. ORL doesn't necessarily have the luxury of waiting and hoping while flirting with the second apron...it's not your money, but it's somebody's and they may not have your patience with it.

I don't really want to or think they should trade Paolo (yet), but the idea that "everything will just work out in time" is not the way the NBA works anymore - unless this already thin fanbase happily keeps paying for seats at the KIA Center. I would expect that if this team doesn't take a leap forward, Mose will be replaced by the New Year - why wait longer? We'll know by then if he has a creative way to use them together and/or has the ability to get the team to play the right way.

I'll say it again, Paolo is the MVP/Star of this team and the only potential MVP candidate since Dwight. I know how good he is-I'm higher on him than most here who dissect his every miss...but if they're going down the wrong path, they need to do something to change course sooner rather than later
...and "waive Isaac", "dump Jett", "pack up some srps" or even "Trade AB while he still has SOME value before his extension" are all just mental masturbation. You don't get something for nothing. I have Paolo as a more valuable chip than Franz but I have Franz as more adaptable and a better defender, so I'd prefer to shop the bigger profile guy who doesn't have as complete a game and keep the guy who is more likely to mesh with different players.

Also, why would you keep reading if it's so very upsetting to your tummy? just skip the trade threads and go right to the "yay-we beat the Nets" thread.

and people would wonder why we cant get stars to Orlando. you would trade Banchero instead of getting a better head coach who can figure out the offense. Mosely, as a first time head coach, came in and helped grind out the players and instill defense attitude, but our offense has been horrible for years. Nothing suggests Banchero isnt coachable, and he doesnt shrink performing in the bright lights, but sure lets trade that guy away.

what a great point...I have driven away "stars" with a trade concept

I don't know how many times I can say...IT'S JUST SOMETHING TO TALK ABOUT - I'M NOT TRADING ANYONE...

I don't know how many times I can say...This is REALGM, not REALCHEERLEADER...why even read the trade threads if it makes your panties twist?

IF everything on here was going to be my legacy and we should only talk about real suggestions...yes, bring in Malone tomorrow. Stop wasting everyone's prime and demand success commensurate with the payroll...Malone is self-assured enough that if he didn't have a clear vision of how to use this core effectively - he won't take the job...if top coaches don't have a thrilling vision, then the FO needs a different direction (or maybe a new FO).

Perfectly matched good talent in an appropriate scheme will defeat poorly matched great talent playing however they want.

My panties arent in a twist, i understand its just Realgm. i lol a little that you point out this is just a message board, then act all insulted at

what a great point...I have driven away "stars" with a trade concept

and honestly, I would go after Taylor Jenkins rather than Malone. not sure how good a coach Malone is without Jokic

[Husky1]

What is the rule with waiving Tyus? do we get any cap space or have to eat full contract?

[BadMofoPimp]

Trade Tyus for Cole.

[DiplomaticMagic]

If we're not going to play Jase. We should trade for Alvarado.

[Skybox]

Kessler is among the league leaders in offensive boards and a massive presence in the paint...he has averaged around 68% from the field since he's been in the league and he started taking 3's this season (which would just be gravy). Maybe a guy like this is the key to Mose re-working his switchy defense to allow for more freedom for perimeter guys to gamble and get easy buckets. WCJ is looking like a solid starter, but he'd be an amazing sub, perhaps next to Moe. Don't know if ORL has the chips to get it done, but I think HOU is showing the league what the near future looks like...offensive boards with enough ball pressure and length to limit the breakouts going the other way.

I really can't guess what Kessler's trade value is or his next salary...He's not a GREAT player and is very far from a complete player or All-Star, but he might just be the missing piece. He may not even be a more valuable player than WCJ or Suggs, all things considered, just a role player that can change the whole game plan. Goga could probably match his numbers, but nowhere near his impact.

Maybe if the package started with AB and UTA felt that AB would be the perfect complement to Keyonte...
Summer

ORL sends: Black, Isaac, 2032 frp (I think that's all we got?)
UTA send: Walker Kessler (re-upped SnT, $22m x 4yr)

[pepe1991]

Kessler is among the league leaders in offensive boards and a massive presence in the paint...he has averaged around 68% from the field since he's been in the league and he started taking 3's this season (which would just be gravy). Maybe a guy like this is the key to Mose re-working his switchy defense to allow for more freedom for perimeter guys to gamble and get easy buckets. WCJ is looking like a solid starter, but he'd be an amazing sub, perhaps next to Moe. Don't know if ORL has the chips to get it done, but I think HOU is showing the league what the near future looks like...offensive boards with enough ball pressure and length to limit the breakouts going the other way.

I really can't guess what Kessler's trade value is or his next salary...He's not a GREAT player and is very far from a complete player or All-Star, but he might just be the missing piece. He may not even be a more valuable player than WCJ or Suggs, all things considered, just a role player that can change the whole game plan. Goga could probably match his numbers, but nowhere near his impact.

Maybe if the package started with AB and UTA felt that AB would be the perfect complement to Keyonte...
Summer

ORL sends: Black, Isaac, 2032 frp (I think that's all we got?)
UTA send: Walker Kessler (re-upped SnT, $22m x 4yr)

Kessler is done for a season due shoulder surgery.