Official 2025 Offseason Thread

[RookieStar]

Saw that too. He’s not buying the optimism/sunshine and rainbows that eyriq is laying down

eyriq in shambles if Paolo saying to trade AB for some help...

LOL he thinks the world of AB from what I've seen

Think Suggs means more to him than AB

[VFX]

The question is always simple this offseason: Is this roster sustainable?

What do I mean by that?

Paolo's Max + Franz + Suggs are going to eat up most of the salary cap. Plus we retain JI, AB and Wendell. We will be luxury tax and 2nd Apron team. The rookie contracts have spoiled the entire fan base. Now is the sour grape. Can we figure out the finances and we won't have any flexibility plus the "Continuity" Era is sure to come to an end. Orlando has to get out of the comfort zone and start to make moves to keep most of the roster alone.

I know Jeff Weltman relies on simple player development and continuity plus build this franchise in a safe way. BTW Orlando still has a lot of its draft capitals plus great young talent. But the question is always going to be is this core good enough to beat Boston and Cleveland in the East.

The FO has some uncomfortable decisions to make this summer. We will see...

People won’t like my answer….

AB, JI, and Wendell Carter should all be moved.

JI and Carter are just easily replaceable considering their contracts. Not only that, but they aren’t consistent enough to be considered guys to build around the core. Better options are worth paying more, or slightly worse bench versions you are better off paying less.

Example, Luke Kornet is a guy I have no problem paying $2m for 19-20mpg off the bench as opposed to Isaac for $15m. I’d rather pay Poeltl $19m as opposed to Carter $12m. These are just simple examples off the top of my head.

Isaac -$15m
Carter - $12.5m
Cole - $13m
G. Harris - $7m

We don’t need these players. There are alternatives that are better for less or significantly better for slightly more.

The last thing is AB. What does an extension look like for him currently? His asset value will never be higher than it is right now with 2 years left on a rookie deal. After witnessing what I did in this playoff series, I’m definitely moving him in order to avoid a huge payday and to balance the roster.

Weltman botched the last big draft with those two picks because neither are capable of helping the starting unit and The Magic don’t really have the luxury of hoping those guys develop 3 seasons from now with huge contracts looming and limited options elsewhere.

[thelead]

The question is always simple this offseason: Is this roster sustainable?

What do I mean by that?

Paolo's Max + Franz + Suggs are going to eat up most of the salary cap. Plus we retain JI, AB and Wendell. We will be luxury tax and 2nd Apron team. The rookie contracts have spoiled the entire fan base. Now is the sour grape. Can we figure out the finances and we won't have any flexibility plus the "Continuity" Era is sure to come to an end. Orlando has to get out of the comfort zone and start to make moves to keep most of the roster alone.

I know Jeff Weltman relies on simple player development and continuity plus build this franchise in a safe way. BTW Orlando still has a lot of its draft capitals plus great young talent. But the question is always going to be is this core good enough to beat Boston and Cleveland in the East.

The FO has some uncomfortable decisions to make this summer. We will see...

People won’t like my answer….

AB, JI, and Wendell Carter should all be moved.

JI and Carter are just easily replaceable considering their contracts. Not only that, but they aren’t consistent enough to be considered guys to build around the core. Better options are worth paying more, or slightly worse bench versions you are better off paying less.

Example, Luke Kornet is a guy I have no problem paying $2m for 19-20mpg off the bench as opposed to Isaac for $15m. I’d rather pay Poeltl $19m as opposed to Carter $12m. These are just simple examples off the top of my head.

Isaac -$15m
Carter - $12.5m
Cole - $13m
G. Harris - $7m

We don’t need these players. There are alternatives that are better for less or significantly better for slightly more.

The last thing is AB. What does an extension look like for him currently? His asset value will never be higher than it is right now with 2 years left on a rookie deal. After witnessing what I did in this playoff series, I’m definitely moving him in order to avoid a huge payday and to balance the roster. Weltman botched the last big draft with those two picks because neither are capable of helping the starting unit.

We have WAY too much money committed to the bench AND our starting lineup isn't good enough to contend. The balance is just way off. Consolidation trades should have already been made.

[ogmagicfan]

CJ McCollum is probably the best mix of gettable, workable current & future contract, shooting, playmaking, vet presence, defensive decency that we can logically expect to land. He'd prob be up toward the top of my list.

Simons is younger, more attainable, on a cheaper deal, less injury prone, and not 1 contract away from retirement.

He is also similarly unplayable as Cole in playoff games. Boston would have hunted him into oblivion. It's Sexton or bust I fear.

Sexton is the same as well

His injury was the best thing that ever happened to the Cavs. The reason they made the playoffs is because they finally had an excuse to stop playing Sexton next to Garland. He's awful defensively.

[eyriq]

I'd kick the tires on a Suggs for LaMelo swap. They make about the same amount next season, are both injury prone, and depending on where Charlotte drafts they might get a stud point guard in the lottery. A LaMelo/KCP backcourt makes a lot of sense as well.

[Black and Blue]

I'd kick the tires on a Suggs for LaMelo swap. They make about the same amount next season, are both injury prone, and depending on where Charlotte drafts they might get a stud point guard in the lottery. A LaMelo/KCP backcourt makes a lot of sense as well.

I’d so do this but the real time to do it sadly would have been last offseason.

…you’re going to hear a lot of that phrase mentioned as so much would have been easier last year if Weltman picked up the damn phone.

But back to my point, Suggs’ current injury is going to scare a lot of teams off. It’s not like teams are going to trade based off a 100% healthy Suggs, especially since he can’t stay healthy as well. Suggs may be off the trade table as a result as this team values him more than others will.

I hate to say it, but Franz is the most likely trade chip in a blockbuster that brings back quality starters like Lamelo or others. And while I would hate to see him go, something has to be done to majorly shake up this roster because it’s not working as presently constructed. And the worst part is we don’t have much to trade of value besides Franz and the draft picks. Even Cole Anthony has seemed washed lately.

Weltman is looking at a worst case scenario right now where he has to make some big moves but doesn’t have many players with trade value to do so. I will add if he moves Paolo he is a straight up moron and deserves every bit of hate Nico got with the Luka trade.

[KillMonger]

I'd kick the tires on a Suggs for LaMelo swap. They make about the same amount next season, are both injury prone, and depending on where Charlotte drafts they might get a stud point guard in the lottery. A LaMelo/KCP backcourt makes a lot of sense as well.

Lamelo is talented as all hell but ball dominant , every time I watch him I think.... This is not a winning player, he plays like it's 2k

Sent from my [Sidekick 5G] using RealGM mobile app

[thelead]

I'd kick the tires on a Suggs for LaMelo swap. They make about the same amount next season, are both injury prone, and depending on where Charlotte drafts they might get a stud point guard in the lottery. A LaMelo/KCP backcourt makes a lot of sense as well.

Lamelo is talented as all hell but ball dominant , every time I watch him I think.... This is not a winning player, he plays like it's 2k

Sent from my [Sidekick 5G] using RealGM mobile app

dude purposely runs through red lights leaving the arena endangering others lives... he is braindead and scum. No thanks.

[thelead]

LA doesn't need Reaves. We have too many bigs. Make the call Weltman.

[OrlandoDream]

LA doesn't need Reaves. We have too many bigs. Make the call Weltman.

Was just thinking this. It would actually be a very fair trade on both sides.

[eyriq]

I'd kick the tires on a Suggs for LaMelo swap. They make about the same amount next season, are both injury prone, and depending on where Charlotte drafts they might get a stud point guard in the lottery. A LaMelo/KCP backcourt makes a lot of sense as well.

I’d so do this but the real time to do it sadly would have been last offseason.

…you’re going to hear a lot of that phrase mentioned as so much would have been easier last year if Weltman picked up the damn phone.

But back to my point, Suggs’ current injury is going to scare a lot of teams off. It’s not like teams are going to trade based off a 100% healthy Suggs, especially since he can’t stay healthy as well. Suggs may be off the trade table as a result as this team values him more than others will.

I hate to say it, but Franz is the most likely trade chip in a blockbuster that brings back quality starters like Lamelo or others. And while I would hate to see him go, something has to be done to majorly shake up this roster because it’s not working as presently constructed. And the worst part is we don’t have much to trade of value besides Franz and the draft picks. Even Cole Anthony has seemed washed lately.

Weltman is looking at a worst case scenario right now where he has to make some big moves but doesn’t have many players with trade value to do so. I will add if he moves Paolo he is a straight up moron and deserves every bit of hate Nico got with the Luka trade.

The ringer trade value rankings have Suggs #34 in the "Lemme Save You Some Time: F-U-C-K N-O" tier, LaMelo #41 in the "If You Tell Shams, I’ll Deny It to the Death … but I Am Absolutely, Unequivocally, 100% Listening".

LaMelo is weird and injury prone and not all that valuable a trade asset as you'd think.

[OrlandoDream]

Its the first day of the offseason and already seeing Franz or Paolo trade scenarios. Cmon guys lets not do this so early. When your office is able to DRAFT two 22 and 23 year perenial superstars.....you do not trade them.

Sugg def has value. A 23yo all-defensive wing will garner plenty of interest. I don't want to trade Suggs of course but with this contract and Paolo/Franz being our cornerstone, he is most likely if we fail again next season to get past 1st round.

[KillMonger]

LA doesn't need Reaves. We have too many bigs. Make the call Weltman.

I never thought reaves was that good, system player

Sent from my [Sidekick 5G] using RealGM mobile app

[thelead]

LA doesn't need Reaves. We have too many bigs. Make the call Weltman.

I never thought reaves was that good, system player

Sent from my [Sidekick 5G] using RealGM mobile app

he's not a star like some Lakers fans want to believe but he would certainly be an upgrade for us at the guard spot and he fits financially

[MasterGMer]

The question is always simple this offseason: Is this roster sustainable?

What do I mean by that?

Paolo's Max + Franz + Suggs are going to eat up most of the salary cap. Plus we retain JI, AB and Wendell. We will be luxury tax and 2nd Apron team. The rookie contracts have spoiled the entire fan base. Now is the sour grape. Can we figure out the finances and we won't have any flexibility plus the "Continuity" Era is sure to come to an end. Orlando has to get out of the comfort zone and start to make moves to keep most of the roster alone.

I know Jeff Weltman relies on simple player development and continuity plus build this franchise in a safe way. BTW Orlando still has a lot of its draft capitals plus great young talent. But the question is always going to be is this core good enough to beat Boston and Cleveland in the East.

The FO has some uncomfortable decisions to make this summer. We will see...

People won’t like my answer….

AB, JI, and Wendell Carter should all be moved.

JI and Carter are just easily replaceable considering their contracts. Not only that, but they aren’t consistent enough to be considered guys to build around the core. Better options are worth paying more, or slightly worse bench versions you are better off paying less.

Example, Luke Kornet is a guy I have no problem paying $2m for 19-20mpg off the bench as opposed to Isaac for $15m. I’d rather pay Poeltl $19m as opposed to Carter $12m. These are just simple examples off the top of my head.

Isaac -$15m
Carter - $12.5m
Cole - $13m
G. Harris - $7m

We don’t need these players. There are alternatives that are better for less or significantly better for slightly more.

The last thing is AB. What does an extension look like for him currently? His asset value will never be higher than it is right now with 2 years left on a rookie deal. After witnessing what I did in this playoff series, I’m definitely moving him in order to avoid a huge payday and to balance the roster. Weltman botched the last big draft with those two picks because neither are capable of helping the starting unit.

We have WAY too much money committed to the bench AND our starting lineup isn't good enough to contend. The balance is just way off. Consolidation trades should have already been made.

Consolidation moves are not the fix. It is their philosophy and plan for the future. Do they even have a plan at this stage of Magic? How do they approach trades to upgrade this team? That is the issue

[sk8wrulz]

I’m convinced that P5 and Franz pairing doesn’t work. Ball movement starts to work wonders if one of them is on the bench and one of them is tasked to lead shooters.

That’s why I’m ok with trading P5 for Trae (this will fix our stagnant offense and also our 3 point shooting). I’ll also move on from our coach (Malone and Jenkins are available). The time for contention should be near. Enough of the “development” year. We must follow Pistons / Pacers and actually make winning moves.

[SOUL]

I’m convinced that P5 and Franz pairing doesn’t work. Ball movement starts to work wonders if one of them is on the bench and one of them is tasked to lead shooters.

That’s why I’m ok with trading P5 for Trae (this will fix our stagnant offense and also our 3 point shooting). I’ll also move on from our coach (Malone and Jenkins are available). The time for contention should be near. Enough of the “development” year. We must follow Pistons / Pacers and actually make winning moves.

There would be a Doncic-level boycott for a trade like that.

[cedric76]

Simons is younger, more attainable, on a cheaper deal, less injury prone, and not 1 contract away from retirement.

He is also similarly unplayable as Cole in playoff games. Boston would have hunted him into oblivion. It's Sexton or bust I fear.

Sexton is the same as well

His injury was the best thing that ever happened to the Cavs. The reason they made the playoffs is because they finally had an excuse to stop playing Sexton next to Garland. He's awful defensively.

Sexton s defense improved since leaving CLE, and his D is better than anfernee and other name being thrown around

[pepe1991]

We simply need to find some guard who can put ball through hoop, regardless of defense. This "defense-danger " panic is idiotic and has to stop.

We played Celtics without Jrue for most of a series and one without Tatum, with banged up Brown. They still had no issues playing Prichard, Hauster, Kornet who are all poor defenders.


Being in constant exchange of long 2s we take vs 3s opponents take, having no ability to run transition, having no spacing, having zero dribble penetration outside of two guys will always lower our ceiling.
You can play elite defense for 7 games but you are not winning 4 games with offense that can't score 100 points on some average 56% TS.

[zaymon]

I’m convinced that P5 and Franz pairing doesn’t work. Ball movement starts to work wonders if one of them is on the bench and one of them is tasked to lead shooters.

That’s why I’m ok with trading P5 for Trae (this will fix our stagnant offense and also our 3 point shooting). I’ll also move on from our coach (Malone and Jenkins are available). The time for contention should be near. Enough of the “development” year. We must follow Pistons / Pacers and actually make winning moves.

There would be a Doncic-level boycott for a trade like that.

Doncic is many times better than Paolo and his team was just gentleman swept with homecourt advantage. Lets not act like ball stopping, weak defense, and midrange shot depending is not a problem.
You need great defense. You need rim protection.