Official 2025-2026 Magic Trade ideas thread

[RichCollab]

Would you guys be in favor of an Anthony Black for Dereck Lively II trade straight up? The Mavs could use some guard/wing depth since they have a surplus of bigs. We could get a rim running/Paint protector in Lively plus he is a couple million dollars cheaper than black which could allow us to give more money to Moe.

We would then need to find a team to take Dell for maybe a Grayson Allen/Malik Monk type of player to fill that shot creator/Spacer role. Thoughts?

I would definitely consider it, but it would depend somewhat on what they could get in return for Carter.

If they were just dumping Carter for garbage, I’d be less inclined.

If they could flip him into an actual rotation player at the 2/3, I’d be on board.

That is a valid point. What about a 3 team trade like this.

Magic get Anfernee Simons and Maxwell Lewis

Celtics get Wendell Carter Jr. and Johnathan Isaac

Nets get Jett Howard

Celtics get the center they need and a versatile defender in JI on a really team friendly contract.

Nets take a flyer on Jett who’s dad is a coach for them.

We get a really good shot creator and someone who can fill in for when Suggs or Bane get banged up.

Suggs/Jones/Jase
Bane/Simons/?
Franz/TDS/Lewis
Paolo/Panda/?
Lively/Moe/Goga

We would then have 2 open roster spots for vet minimum players. I think this team could be really fun to watch and still have a ton of room for growth.

Simons and Jones together. This roster is a lot more unbalanced and defense has been downgraded.

[Knightro]

Queen's bad offense vs. Houstan's bad defense; I'd sign Queen!

Not me.

Queen is pretty much just a try hard scrub.

5th or 6th guards usually are. Queen has had some great games tho moreso than Caleb and is dirt cheap.

Funnily enough, Queen as a 4th year player would actually cost a fraction more than Houstan would as a 3rd year player if they both signed minimum contracts.

Queen’s minimum is $2.46M

Houstan’s minimum is $2.37M

[RichCollab]

Not me.

Queen is pretty much just a try hard scrub.

5th or 6th guards usually are. Queen has had some great games tho moreso than Caleb and is dirt cheap.

Funnily enough, Queen as a 4th year player would actually cost a fraction more than Houstan would as a 3rd year player if they both signed minimum contracts.

Queen’s minimum is $2.46M

Houstan’s minimum is $2.37M

Are we splitting hairs at this point?

Caleb is more a forward and Queen a guard. I would probably take Caleb for shooting upside. His defense had slight signs of life at the end of the season.

Add both? Move Jett.

[Airgordon00]

I would definitely consider it, but it would depend somewhat on what they could get in return for Carter.

If they were just dumping Carter for garbage, I’d be less inclined.

If they could flip him into an actual rotation player at the 2/3, I’d be on board.

That is a valid point. What about a 3 team trade like this.

Magic get Anfernee Simons and Maxwell Lewis

Celtics get Wendell Carter Jr. and Johnathan Isaac

Nets get Jett Howard

Celtics get the center they need and a versatile defender in JI on a really team friendly contract.

Nets take a flyer on Jett who’s dad is a coach for them.

We get a really good shot creator and someone who can fill in for when Suggs or Bane get banged up.

Suggs/Jones/Jase
Bane/Simons/?
Franz/TDS/Lewis
Paolo/Panda/?
Lively/Moe/Goga

We would then have 2 open roster spots for vet minimum players. I think this team could be really fun to watch and still have a ton of room for growth.

Simons and Jones together. This roster is a lot more unbalanced and defense has been downgraded.

Yeah but the offense improves mightily. We knew going into this offseason that we would have to sacrifice some defense to get better offensively. We have not been ranked in the top 20 in offense in over 10 years we are due to finally brake that curse.

[RichCollab]

That is a valid point. What about a 3 team trade like this.

Magic get Anfernee Simons and Maxwell Lewis

Celtics get Wendell Carter Jr. and Johnathan Isaac

Nets get Jett Howard

Celtics get the center they need and a versatile defender in JI on a really team friendly contract.

Nets take a flyer on Jett who’s dad is a coach for them.

We get a really good shot creator and someone who can fill in for when Suggs or Bane get banged up.

Suggs/Jones/Jase
Bane/Simons/?
Franz/TDS/Lewis
Paolo/Panda/?
Lively/Moe/Goga

We would then have 2 open roster spots for vet minimum players. I think this team could be really fun to watch and still have a ton of room for growth.

Simons and Jones together. This roster is a lot more unbalanced and defense has been downgraded.

Yeah but the offense improves mightily. We knew going into this offseason that we would have to sacrifice some defense to get better offensively. We have not been ranked in the top 20 in offense in over 10 years we are due to finally brake that curse.

We added Bane, Tyus, and Jase. No reason to sacrifice anymore defense. Moe and Suggs both healthy give a bump to the offense.

[Airgordon00]

Simons and Jones together. This roster is a lot more unbalanced and defense has been downgraded.

Yeah but the offense improves mightily. We knew going into this offseason that we would have to sacrifice some defense to get better offensively. We have not been ranked in the top 20 in offense in over 10 years we are due to finally brake that curse.

We added Bane, Tyus, and Jase. No reason to sacrifice anymore defense. Moe and Suggs both healthy give a bump to the offense.

Yeah that’s a fair point. Hopefully we get luckier with health this year (cross my fingers)

[Knightro]

Houstan isn’t very good defensively, but he’s the literal high volume, high accuracy three point shooter that every NBA team wants to have on their bench.

And he’s only 22. And he’s cheap. I hope he comes back.

There’s 50 Trevelin Queen types out there that you can sign out of the G-League or off the street whenever you want.

[RichCollab]

Houstan isn’t very good defensively, but he’s the literal high volume, high accuracy three point shooter that every NBA team wants to have on their bench.

And he’s only 22. And he’s cheap. I hope he comes back.

There’s 50 Trevelin Queen types out there that you can sign out of the G-League or off the street whenever you want.

I’m not going to sweat the 15th man.

[T-Cat]

With the Golden State Warriors thin at the center position, would they consider Moses Moody for WCJ?

Moody had off season surgery and should be ready to go by training camp, he could be the 6th man we need .

[Skybox]

Would you guys be in favor of an Anthony Black for Dereck Lively II trade straight up? The Mavs could use some guard/wing depth since they have a surplus of bigs. We could get a rim running/Paint protector in Lively plus he is a couple million dollars cheaper than black which could allow us to give more money to Moe.

We would then need to find a team to take Dell for maybe a Grayson Allen/Malik Monk type of player to fill that shot creator/Spacer role. Thoughts?

I'm surprised anyone even hesitated to say "of course we would" (except one)...it's not close, imo, and I DO value AB.

I'd even consider keeping WCJ as the best backup C/PF in the league rather than his current role as "bottom 5 or so starting C's". (sadly, this is largely based on his unreliability and inconsistent efforts - which might also be injury-related)...WCJ is a really good player but it's just too painful and about to be too expensive to bank on him...if we kept WCJ in that role, then Isaac and/or Goga become expendable for a backcourt fill-in. AB might become something much better than he is now, but his current contribution wouldn't be that tough to replace and Lively's upside is every bit as high as AB's and his present status is already higher.

*Having said this, DAL doesn't make that deal.

[BadMofoPimp]

5th or 6th guards usually are. Queen has had some great games tho moreso than Caleb and is dirt cheap.

Funnily enough, Queen as a 4th year player would actually cost a fraction more than Houstan would as a 3rd year player if they both signed minimum contracts.

Queen’s minimum is $2.46M

Houstan’s minimum is $2.37M

Are we splitting hairs at this point?

Caleb is more a forward and Queen a guard. I would probably take Caleb for shooting upside. His defense had slight signs of life at the end of the season.

Add both? Move Jett.

Caleb and Queen combined make less than Jett. Trade Jett and 2 future 2nd's for a future 2nd.

[CocoaFan]

Would you guys be in favor of an Anthony Black for Dereck Lively II trade straight up? The Mavs could use some guard/wing depth since they have a surplus of bigs. We could get a rim running/Paint protector in Lively plus he is a couple million dollars cheaper than black which could allow us to give more money to Moe.

We would then need to find a team to take Dell for maybe a Grayson Allen/Malik Monk type of player to fill that shot creator/Spacer role. Thoughts?

I would definitely consider it, but it would depend somewhat on what they could get in return for Carter.

If they were just dumping Carter for garbage, I’d be less inclined.

If they could flip him into an actual rotation player at the 2/3, I’d be on board.

Indiana needs a center. W. Carter Jr. -> A. Nesmith straight up

[BadMofoPimp]

Would you guys be in favor of an Anthony Black for Dereck Lively II trade straight up? The Mavs could use some guard/wing depth since they have a surplus of bigs. We could get a rim running/Paint protector in Lively plus he is a couple million dollars cheaper than black which could allow us to give more money to Moe.

We would then need to find a team to take Dell for maybe a Grayson Allen/Malik Monk type of player to fill that shot creator/Spacer role. Thoughts?

I would definitely consider it, but it would depend somewhat on what they could get in return for Carter.

If they were just dumping Carter for garbage, I’d be less inclined.

If they could flip him into an actual rotation player at the 2/3, I’d be on board.

Indiana needs a center. W. Carter Jr. -> A. Nesmith straight up

Seriously doubt the Magic trade their starting center for Nesmith whom is currently a starter to be their backup guard. But, I would do Slim for Nesmith all day.

[CocoaFan]

I would definitely consider it, but it would depend somewhat on what they could get in return for Carter.

If they were just dumping Carter for garbage, I’d be less inclined.

If they could flip him into an actual rotation player at the 2/3, I’d be on board.

Indiana needs a center. W. Carter Jr. -> A. Nesmith straight up

Seriously doubt the Magic trade their starting center for Nesmith whom is currently a starter to be their backup guard. But, I would do Slim for Nesmith all day.

Magic need to get off a bigger contract and Wendell is a good place to start. Isaac for Nesmith doesn't work in the trade checker and I don't think Indiana would do the deal if Bradley or Sheppard for Isaac had to be added. We could always do Bitadze + Jett for Nesmith but that doesn't help us as much financially. Wendell always being injured is a problem, and you have to have 3 playable centers when he's on the team. For me, it's time to cut bait.

[BadMofoPimp]

Indiana needs a center. W. Carter Jr. -> A. Nesmith straight up

Seriously doubt the Magic trade their starting center for Nesmith whom is currently a starter to be their backup guard. But, I would do Slim for Nesmith all day.

Magic need to get off a bigger contract and Wendell is a good place to start. Isaac for Nesmith doesn't work in the trade checker and I don't think Indiana would do the deal if Bradley or Sheppard for Isaac had to be added. We could always do Bitadze + Jett for Nesmith but that doesn't help us as much financially. Wendell always being injured is a problem, and you have to have 3 playable centers when he's on the team. For me, it's time to cut bait.

Slim making $15 mil per playing 15mpg while always playing injured while being a liability on offense is a bigger problem. WCJ is more valuable playing Center at 25mpg to this team as constructed instead to be trading a starter for bench warmers. Take whatever scrub they add and throw him to some bottom feeder for an added future 2nd. Team saves money and you get your prized bench player who probably won't be happy with reduced minutes. Besides, WCJ will improve his 3's as he was 37% 2 years ago.

[CocoaFan]

Seriously doubt the Magic trade their starting center for Nesmith whom is currently a starter to be their backup guard. But, I would do Slim for Nesmith all day.

Magic need to get off a bigger contract and Wendell is a good place to start. Isaac for Nesmith doesn't work in the trade checker and I don't think Indiana would do the deal if Bradley or Sheppard for Isaac had to be added. We could always do Bitadze + Jett for Nesmith but that doesn't help us as much financially. Wendell always being injured is a problem, and you have to have 3 playable centers when he's on the team. For me, it's time to cut bait.

Slim making $15 mil per playing 15mpg while always playing injured while being a liability on offense is a bigger problem. WCJ is more valuable playing Center at 25mpg to this team as constructed instead to be trading a starter for bench warmers. Take whatever scrub they add and throw him to some bottom feeder for an added future 2nd. Team saves money and you get your prized bench player who probably won't be happy with reduced minutes.

If that's the way it plays out I agree with you. I'm holding out hope Isaac will get to 20-24 minutes/game (probably a pipe dream). He and Moe make a good combo on the 2nd unit where Isaac can cover for Moe on D.

[BadMofoPimp]

Magic need to get off a bigger contract and Wendell is a good place to start. Isaac for Nesmith doesn't work in the trade checker and I don't think Indiana would do the deal if Bradley or Sheppard for Isaac had to be added. We could always do Bitadze + Jett for Nesmith but that doesn't help us as much financially. Wendell always being injured is a problem, and you have to have 3 playable centers when he's on the team. For me, it's time to cut bait.

Slim making $15 mil per playing 15mpg while always playing injured while being a liability on offense is a bigger problem. WCJ is more valuable playing Center at 25mpg to this team as constructed instead to be trading a starter for bench warmers. Take whatever scrub they add and throw him to some bottom feeder for an added future 2nd. Team saves money and you get your prized bench player who probably won't be happy with reduced minutes.

If that's the way it plays out I agree with you. I'm holding out hope Isaac will get to 20-24 minutes/game (probably a pipe dream). He and Moe make a good combo on the 2nd unit where Isaac can cover for Moe on D.

Agree with you there, but I wouldn't mind seeing a Moe/Goga lineup with Moe at PF.

[RichCollab]

Slim making $15 mil per playing 15mpg while always playing injured while being a liability on offense is a bigger problem. WCJ is more valuable playing Center at 25mpg to this team as constructed instead to be trading a starter for bench warmers. Take whatever scrub they add and throw him to some bottom feeder for an added future 2nd. Team saves money and you get your prized bench player who probably won't be happy with reduced minutes.

If that's the way it plays out I agree with you. I'm holding out hope Isaac will get to 20-24 minutes/game (probably a pipe dream). He and Moe make a good combo on the 2nd unit where Isaac can cover for Moe on D.

Agree with you there, but I wouldn't mind seeing a Moe/Goga lineup with Moe at PF.

I’m not sure how well that works but I would like to see it. If we move on from JI, is Goga the replacement? It’s possible.

[RichCollab]

Skybox. Any remaining off season trades? Maybe something around Goga and Jett where we add a vet shooting wing.

[Skybox]

Skybox. Any remaining off season trades? Maybe something around Goga and Jett where we add a vet shooting wing.

in response to recent posts...

-we sure don't need to trade our starting C for another bench guard when we've spent all summer acquiring guards
-we don't need to dump a BIG salary like WCJ or Isaac, we just need to dump Jett's $5m, not disrupt our active rotation
-I'd happily upgrade starting C, find a placeholder until Moe gets back...I just think WCJ's lack of reliability is our ceiling-maker now
...but I don't think we will or necessarily have to...WCJ at his best is fine - just don't know how often you get that
-I don't think Lively is available - even for AB, but I'd do that in a second...Gafford might be.
-At this point, imo, we'd be trading a Center and hoping for a better Center, which is unlikely, unless it's a tank team, so Claxton or Kessler
...and we don't have the picks to aim that high...unless we add AB, which I'd rather not, but I would for Kessler

*trade is contingent on Kessler extending (starting next summer, like Paolo) for $20m per

Twist my arm...
ORL sends: WCJ, Goga, AB
UTA sends: Kessler, Nurkic
*Overall, ORL sends out about $3m more than they take back, so we turn around and bring back a defense-first guard like Queen. Nurkic is expiring at $19.4, but he's a very capable backup until Moe gets back- he could, conceivably, be bought out - but that's probably not wise. It's nice to have a big physical vet off the bench when things get rough...His expiring gives ORL a little more breathing room for Moe's make-good deal next summer - which still shouldn't exceed the $11m range. Kessler is an elite rim protector and rebounder (12.2 rpg, 4.6 offensive )...I think we've added enough offensive firepower to our backcourt to be very happy with less of a scoring mentality but super elite at "Center stuff" that we need...ALL of those offensive boards are extra possessions and the rim protection lets our already aggressive defenders take even more chances on the perimeter knowing that one of the best shot-blockers in the league is behind them. Nurkic is different than WCJ, but probably similar value - a proven vet that you, perhaps, are not satisfied with as a starter but would be considered one of the best backups in the league...and Moe coming soon.

I don't know that Ainge would see the same value in AB as some of us do, but he might not want to pay Kessler next summer when they still seem to be a couple of years away from being a couple of years away. AB could certainly benefit from the opportunity and could be a big step towards injecting a defensive identity in UTA....I'd happily throw in any srps they want but would be reluctant to include the 2032 frp which is now trade-eligible.

I understand that it leaves us a little thin at guard, but we jump way up at starting AND backup Center, get rid of a decent amount of guaranteed money beyond this upcoming season (especially if you consider AB's upcoming extension demands with zero chance of starting with Bane in town).

Kessler, Nurkic, (Moe) Isaac
Paolo, Isaac, Penda
Franz, TdS
Suggs, Queen, Jett (I'd love to move Jett out, if Penda shows out, Isaac and Jett's expiring could be TD bait)
Bane, Richardson