Official 2025 Offseason Thread

[Fortune Teller]

I keep thinking about how AB had zero assists in five playoff games despite playing more minutes than anyone off the bench. Isaac had more playoff assists than Black.

Speaking of Isaac, the highest-paid player on the roster this season and for the past several seasons, averaged 13.8 mpg in the playoffs. Guess they weren't saving him for the postseason. In five games he managed one blocked shot, total.

KCP, the $22 million man, shot 26.7% from the field, 26.1% from three in the series while averaging 32.6 mpg. If he had left the country during the playoffs no one would have noticed.

Cole isn't even worth talking about. He looks like he's following Fultz into the Void.

The supporting cast is so bad. As in complete overhaul bad.

To be fair to Black the ball was mostly in the hands of Paolo and Franz and nobody was really making a shot.

Thought Black played really well in the playoffs, his defense was amazing but just like everyone else he couldn’t make shot. He is a good player and has grown a lot but I question the fit next to Paolo and Franz

That's fair, and I actually thought Black showed growth in this series too. Just not as a facilitator. The bigger concern for me, based on how Black is developing, is that Jeff might've passed on adding a PG last summer because he theoretically had Black behind Suggs, and now it's clear that is not the direction he's heading. Certainly Mos doesn't see it that way. I'm not even sure AB is a guard in the NBA, much less a PG. When he does get the ball, he still seems a little skittish out there like his first preference is to give it up as quickly as possible.

As far as what the team does this offseason, AB's trajectory makes him one of the most likely trade candidates. We have glaring needs, and Black's skillset doesn't really address them. At the same time he's showed some growth and hasn't reached his potential so he might actually be attractive to a trade partner. So he fits the two primary criteria -- has value but doesn't really address a need for us. There is no viable path forward without trading something to get something, and unless they're trading Suggs or Franz, AB is the guy be default. The Cavs traded Sexton and Markkanen to get Donovan Mitchell, the Pacers trades Sabonis to get Haliburton, etc.

[Skybox]

John Collins and Sexton for JI and KCP?

I like it, Collins is one of the most underrated offensive players in the league. At the very least, Collins is a large expiring so we get off of KCP and JI's guaranteed money- but he's also a better offensive big off the bench than Moe.

Having said that, why in the world would UTA do this?

The on-court value may not be far off, but UTA isn't looking for older, overpaid, guaranteed players...they want picks and flexibility.

I don't even know if #25 alone would make it sensible for where UTA is (the bottom of a rebuild, praying for Flagg)

[Skybox]

To work off of the UTA thing...
Option #1...
ORL sends: Goga, Isaac, KCP, #16, #25, ORL 26 frp (top 5)
UTA sends: Kessler, Sexton, Collins, #21
*significant draft equity, but significant incoming expiring talent. Kessler is a keeper, Collins likely only on a steeply reduced deal. Sexton extended immediately - I'd love to have him as eventual sixth man, but he provides an excellent boost to our backcourt offense in any role.

Kessler, WCJ, Moe
Paolo, Collins, WCJ
Franz, TdS, Houstan
Suggs, AB, Queen
Sexton, Clayton #21, AB


Option #2...
ORL sends: Suggs, Goga, Jett, #25
UTA sends: Kessler, Sexton, Collins, #21

[Skybox]

Just to not have the same conversations all of the time...

What do you think Suggs is worth in terms of this year's draft?

Meaning, maybe Suggs and one or both of our picks could get us a significant player AND a top lottery pick.

[Skybox]

Suggs makes $35m next season...that's a lot of salary to work with:

Would NOLA put him next to DJM, with their strong 3&D wings, Missi & Zion?
ORL sends Suggs, Isaac & #16 to NOLA for McCollum, Herb Jones & #4 (is Tre Johnson the pick? Fears? Maluach?)


Would BRK do Suggs, Isaac, #16 and 2 future protected frps for Cam Johnson, Claxton, and #6?


Would HOU do VanVleet (opt out, extend to same deal as Suggs) and #9 for Suggs and #25?
-who do we take at 9? I'm all in for Maluach or Johnson-if they're there

[ORLMagicGirl15]

I keep thinking about how AB had zero assists in five playoff games despite playing more minutes than anyone off the bench. Isaac had more playoff assists than Black.

Speaking of Isaac, the highest-paid player on the roster this season and for the past several seasons, averaged 13.8 mpg in the playoffs. Guess they weren't saving him for the postseason. In five games he managed one blocked shot, total.

KCP, the $22 million man, shot 26.7% from the field, 26.1% from three in the series while averaging 32.6 mpg. If he had left the country during the playoffs no one would have noticed.

Cole isn't even worth talking about. He looks like he's following Fultz into the Void.

The supporting cast is so bad. As in complete overhaul bad.

Their defense was great, but man the offense.

We really need a pg on this team.

[eyriq]

Just to not have the same conversations all of the time...

What do you think Suggs is worth in terms of this year's draft?

Meaning, maybe Suggs and one or both of our picks could get us a significant player AND a top lottery pick.

The Ringer trade value thread had Suggs #34 as of January 30th. This assumes he's providing sustainable defensive playmaking and third option offense. That's borderline all-star value right there.

[Skybox]

Just to not have the same conversations all of the time...

What do you think Suggs is worth in terms of this year's draft?

Meaning, maybe Suggs and one or both of our picks could get us a significant player AND a top lottery pick.

The Ringer trade value thread had Suggs #34 as of January 30th. This assumes he's providing sustainable defensive playmaking and third option offense. That's borderline all-star value right there.

He's a great player and an instant fan favorite...It's obvious to NOT trade him - that's what makes it interesting to ponder. Suggs is a rare combination of win-now with a large dose of still young and developing.

Personally, I don't think his actual impact on winning is as great as his "apparent" (loudly visible) impact on games. I also have doubts about his shooting last year being what we should expect from him for his career. Then there are the injury concerns...the latest one has that mysterious Lonzo Ball vibe that I can't shake. I love the player, but maybe it's a sell-high opportunity that your boy, AB , makes feasible - with or without KCP.

Putting Suggs on the table opens the door to a lot more upside options that the rest of our "assets" do not.

[89Magicfan]

I think we keep Suggs and AB.

[89Magicfan]

Just to not have the same conversations all of the time...

What do you think Suggs is worth in terms of this year's draft?

Meaning, maybe Suggs and one or both of our picks could get us a significant player AND a top lottery pick.

The Ringer trade value thread had Suggs #34 as of January 30th. This assumes he's providing sustainable defensive playmaking and third option offense. That's borderline all-star value right there.

He's a great player and an instant fan favorite...It's obvious to NOT trade him - that's what makes it interesting to ponder. Suggs is a rare combination of win-now with a large dose of still young and developing.

Personally, I don't think his actual impact on winning is as great as his "apparent" (loudly visible) impact on games. I also have doubts about his shooting last year being what we should expect from him for his career. Then there are the injury concerns...the latest one has that mysterious Lonzo Ball vibe that I can't shake. I love the player, but maybe it's a sell-high opportunity that your boy, AB , makes feasible - with or without KCP.

Putting Suggs on the table opens the door to a lot more upside options that the rest of our "assets" do not.

I don’t agree. I think keeping him benefits us more than trading him.

I just think Suggs needs to play the long game with how he goes 110mph 100% of the time.

He’s our Norman Powell and I believe he would’ve made a hell of a difference against Boston. Outcome might been the same but I don’t think we go down 4-1 if he was healthy.

[Skybox]

The Ringer trade value thread had Suggs #34 as of January 30th. This assumes he's providing sustainable defensive playmaking and third option offense. That's borderline all-star value right there.

He's a great player and an instant fan favorite...It's obvious to NOT trade him - that's what makes it interesting to ponder. Suggs is a rare combination of win-now with a large dose of still young and developing.

Personally, I don't think his actual impact on winning is as great as his "apparent" (loudly visible) impact on games. I also have doubts about his shooting last year being what we should expect from him for his career. Then there are the injury concerns...the latest one has that mysterious Lonzo Ball vibe that I can't shake. I love the player, but maybe it's a sell-high opportunity that your boy, AB , makes feasible - with or without KCP.

Putting Suggs on the table opens the door to a lot more upside options that the rest of our "assets" do not.

I don’t agree. I think keeping him benefits us more than trading him.

I just think Suggs needs to play the long game with how he goes 110mph 100% of the time.

He’s our Norman Powell and I believe he would’ve made a hell of a difference against Boston. Outcome might been the same but I don’t think we go down 4-1 if he was healthy.

I completely agree with the bold...the point is not whether Suggs is good (he's really good) but what could he bring back in a trade - while AB or KCP can do 75% of what Suggs bring to the court.

[Skybox]

I think we keep Suggs and AB.

That'd be my favorite outcome...if, somehow, we still add a Guard that truly makes a difference.

Not Seth Curry or NAW or Kennard or another placeholder like CoJo or Cole has been while we continue to "assess"

I'd love to hear that KCP, maybe Goga or Isaac and picks brings back a difference-maker...but I have my doubts.

[89Magicfan]

He's a great player and an instant fan favorite...It's obvious to NOT trade him - that's what makes it interesting to ponder. Suggs is a rare combination of win-now with a large dose of still young and developing.

Personally, I don't think his actual impact on winning is as great as his "apparent" (loudly visible) impact on games. I also have doubts about his shooting last year being what we should expect from him for his career. Then there are the injury concerns...the latest one has that mysterious Lonzo Ball vibe that I can't shake. I love the player, but maybe it's a sell-high opportunity that your boy, AB , makes feasible - with or without KCP.

Putting Suggs on the table opens the door to a lot more upside options that the rest of our "assets" do not.

I don’t agree. I think keeping him benefits us more than trading him.

I just think Suggs needs to play the long game with how he goes 110mph 100% of the time.

He’s our Norman Powell and I believe he would’ve made a hell of a difference against Boston. Outcome might been the same but I don’t think we go down 4-1 if he was healthy.

I completely agree with the bold...the point is not whether Suggs is good (he's really good) but what could he bring back in a trade - while AB or KCP can do 75% of what Suggs bring to the court.

I get that but that’s kind of a what if. KCP is on the downside of his career and really to me, he should be off the bench replacing Harris. AB is still questionable with who he grows into. I know what Suggs brings. I want that on my team.

[89Magicfan]

I think we keep Suggs and AB.

That'd be my favorite outcome...if, somehow, we still add a Guard that truly makes a difference.

Not Seth Curry or NAW or Kennard or another placeholder like CoJo or Cole has been while we continue to "assess"

I'd love to hear that KCP, maybe Goga or Isaac and picks brings back a difference-maker...but I have my doubts.

That’s what we would be focusing on. Move Suggs back to SG and bring in a legit starting PG with AB coming off the bench.

I think the picks are probably our most valuable commodity at this point. I don’t think we need a Trae Young to get to where we want to go. We need a steady PG who can set the table, play solid defense, doesn’t have to be lock down defender, and can hurt you from outside if you leave him open.

[zaymon]

Just to not have the same conversations all of the time...

What do you think Suggs is worth in terms of this year's draft?

Meaning, maybe Suggs and one or both of our picks could get us a significant player AND a top lottery pick.

The Ringer trade value thread had Suggs #34 as of January 30th. This assumes he's providing sustainable defensive playmaking and third option offense. That's borderline all-star value right there.

He's a great player and an instant fan favorite...It's obvious to NOT trade him - that's what makes it interesting to ponder. Suggs is a rare combination of win-now with a large dose of still young and developing.

Personally, I don't think his actual impact on winning is as great as his "apparent" (loudly visible) impact on games. I also have doubts about his shooting last year being what we should expect from him for his career. Then there are the injury concerns...the latest one has that mysterious Lonzo Ball vibe that I can't shake. I love the player, but maybe it's a sell-high opportunity that your boy, AB , makes feasible - with or without KCP.

Putting Suggs on the table opens the door to a lot more upside options that the rest of our "assets" do not.

I have different moments. At the beginning of the season i though Suggs shooting is unsustainable and i thought he should be traded. Than i thought trading Paolo was the best idea. Now after the playoffs i cooled off and think we still have enough time to build around both Paolo and Franz. We can pivot at any time in the future.
Suggs i see to valueable to team spirit and competitiveness. I think he will slow down his game with time. When he is on the floor ball also moves a lot better.
Lets try to make it work with those 3 and adjust with time when its not working.

[Skybox]

I think we keep Suggs and AB.

That'd be my favorite outcome...if, somehow, we still add a Guard that truly makes a difference.

Not Seth Curry or NAW or Kennard or another placeholder like CoJo or Cole has been while we continue to "assess"

I'd love to hear that KCP, maybe Goga or Isaac and picks brings back a difference-maker...but I have my doubts.

That’s what we would be focusing on. Move Suggs back to SG and bring in a legit starting PG with AB coming off the bench.

I think the picks are probably our most valuable commodity at this point. I don’t think we need a Trae Young to get to where we want to go. We need a steady PG who can set the table, play solid defense, doesn’t have to be lock down defender, and can hurt you from outside if you leave him open.

That's all very reasonable...but who is the needle-moving PG that we get for one of our scrubs and which picks?

[T-Cat]

Sign Chris Paul and look to move Suggs for another high lottery pick.

[89Magicfan]

That'd be my favorite outcome...if, somehow, we still add a Guard that truly makes a difference.

Not Seth Curry or NAW or Kennard or another placeholder like CoJo or Cole has been while we continue to "assess"

I'd love to hear that KCP, maybe Goga or Isaac and picks brings back a difference-maker...but I have my doubts.

That’s what we would be focusing on. Move Suggs back to SG and bring in a legit starting PG with AB coming off the bench.

I think the picks are probably our most valuable commodity at this point. I don’t think we need a Trae Young to get to where we want to go. We need a steady PG who can set the table, play solid defense, doesn’t have to be lock down defender, and can hurt you from outside if you leave him open.

That's all very reasonable...but who is the needle-moving PG that we get for one of our scrubs and which picks?

That’s a good question.

I have no issues with us trading our picks at this point if we have to.

[Skybox]

Sign Chris Paul and look to move Suggs for another high lottery pick.

I wonder if CP3 would be interested or if he's perfectly happy finishing his career in SAS...Suggs is so critical to ORL, but there are scenarios I'd have to entertain. Depending on how the lottery shakes out...

Suggs for Cam Johnson or Claxton and their pick
Suggs for CJ McCollum and their high pick or Suggs + somebody for CJ, Herb and their pick
Suggs for Poole and WAS pick (if it's #2)...I wouldn't expect WAS to agree
Suggs for Quickley and 25 frp swap (#7 for #16) or, Suggs & Goga for Poeltl & Barrett and their pick
Suggs & Filler (Jett Howard? Goga?) for FVV and their pick
Suggs for Clingan, Simons & their pick

Suggs for Kyrie (opt out and extend at $35m per x 3 years) and their pick...obviously, Kyrie would have to be into the idea

I know that some or all of these would not be of interest to the other teams...but maybe. I left SAS out because they have all of the Suggs they need in Castle.

[pepe1991]

Sign Chris Paul and look to move Suggs for another high lottery pick.

I wonder if CP3 would be interested or if he's perfectly happy finishing his career in SAS...Suggs is so critical to ORL, but there are scenarios I'd have to entertain. Depending on how the lottery shakes out...

Suggs for Cam Johnson or Claxton and their pick
Suggs for CJ McCollum and their high pick or Suggs + somebody for CJ, Herb and their pick
Suggs for Poole and WAS pick (if it's #2)...I wouldn't expect WAS to agree
Suggs for Quickley and 25 frp swap (#7 for #16) or, Suggs & Goga for Poeltl & Barrett and their pick
Suggs & Filler (Jett Howard? Goga?) for FVV and their pick
Suggs for Clingan, Simons & their pick

Suggs for Kyrie (opt out and extend at $35m per x 3 years) and their pick...obviously, Kyrie would have to be into the idea

I know that some or all of these would not be of interest to the other teams...but maybe. I left SAS out because they have all of the Suggs they need in Castle.

That's just ugly overrate of what Suggs as player and asset brings.

Look it from another perspective:

5th year player (next season)
rookie year- was terrible, got hurt
second year- was mediocre- got hurt
year three- breakout in contract year- healthy
year four - regression and got hurt

Total 12 ppg, 32% for 3 for defensive combo guard who isn't much of playmaker on $35M a year.

Nets, Wizards, Raptors , Blazers simply won't give you lottery picks for injury prone 5th year, overpaid, unproven player.


Pelicans would also never trade for injury prone player again. Concept of stock piling injury prone players is what got them there. You know "best young core ever"


As far as i know Suggs and Lonzo are only nba players ever to do mosaicplasty. There is possibility he won't even be ready to start next season, not to mention that nobody knows how his knee will hold up after that.
That's another reason not a single lottery team will give you a pick for player who is medical experiment, especially since only other medical experiment died off ( Lonzo Ball , former 2# pick, one of most hyped players ever , due cronical knee issues turned into below MLE player at age of 27, after not playing basketball for near 3 years)