Official 2025-2026 Magic Trade ideas thread

[Skybox]

Your shopping list is to find us a damn center upgrade, brother. Not for AB though

What else are you offering?...it's kind of important to have something of value if you want something back.

Our most interesting non-AB chips ARE Centers...probably not getting a C back without pick(s) that we don't have. Not even sure who we'd want...a guy like Kessler? Claxton? they are both "better" than our present Centers but maybe not better fits. Even a stretch guy with real value like Myles Turner probably doesn't provide the rebounding and perimeter D Mose (I think) craves. I like Claxton and Gafford but neither one is much of a rebounder.

I'd jump on Kessler if we had the chips for him, but I'm far from sure it'd work out - without even considering his upcoming $$$.

I'm getting the shakes from not using the Trade Machine but I'm kind of unsure what to shoot for yet.

If it comes down to Suggs or AB come his extension choice, then I go with Suggs. Would package AB and Goga or Slim etc for a starting center and relegate to WCJ to backup getting 20-25mpg. Or even, WCJ and AB for a very good center.

So, who is a possible very good center for ORL?

[Idiosyncratic]

Bane for Caldwell-Pope and Suns swap. (Grizzlies probably say no)

I don't see many centers out there we could acquire. Mark Williams has looked really good when I have watched him, but seems like there will always be significant injury risk.

[zaymon]

We traded our picks and we still dont have anybody to run our offense. I even wrote after Bane trade that i think Bane must be the PG in this situation. Suggs cant control his own body let alone offense ( and i really like him as wing defender and connector).
With Bane running point we still will surround him with mediocre shooters which is not ideal.
We need 1-2 players to run our offense and 1-2 players to anchor our defense. Thats without having picks.
I dont see a way out without trading Paolo in the long run. We can also trade Franz but thats basically Sacramentozation from Haliburton to nothing.

[Skybox]

If this season really continues to look dismal...I think it will be Suggs who goes out for a PG. No idea who or with what package, but Suggs is very valuable, imo, very young, and has a fat beginning to his contract that can bring back another high dollar player.

I only think this because ORL can't play Suggs, a PG, AND Bane and I don't think the FO will bail on Bane after giving up so much and end up looking like a turnstile following KCP's similar misstep. If Suggs' shooting proves to be consistent, that will be a very hard decision to make, but despite this early season, I think Bane is the more proven 3pt threat and better overall player (not by a ton-considering Suggs' defensive rep). Many, including me, have defended the Point Forward thing but it might be becoming clear that it's just not a thing...even Jokic has a viable PG in Murray.

When EVERYBODY looks bad - it's probably not due to everybody being bad. I'd probably prefer to talk to vet coaches first and hear their vision for Paolo/Franz but, if it becomes inevitable that it's just not the right path, they'll be looking for a PG. I really don't know - it could change overnight if things 'click', but it's not been promising. I also think dropping back into the "all defense all the time iso, shoot at the 23rd second" mode will look better short-term, but is a limited solution.

There are lots of guys I'd rather package before Suggs but you just can't have a $70m+ backcourt composed of two guys who very clearly play the same position.

Possible PG targets...not sure, name a team that could part with a really prominent one...SAS has Dylan Harper who could make Fox expendable quickly. I'm not enamored with Fox as a true PG but it's a scenario to be discussed. Don't know that SAS needs another Castle in Suggs either. How's Nikola Topic looking in OKC?

[zaymon]

If this season really continues to look dismal...I think it will be Suggs who goes out for a PG. No idea who or with what package, but Suggs is very valuable, imo, very young, and has a fat beginning to his contract that can bring back another high dollar player.

I only think this because ORL can't play Suggs, a PG, AND Bane and I don't think the FO will bail on Bane after giving up so much and end up looking like a turnstile following KCP's similar misstep. If Suggs' shooting proves to be consistent, that will be a very hard decision to make, but despite this early season, I think Bane is the more proven 3pt threat and better overall player (not by a ton-considering Suggs' defensive rep). Many, including me, have defended the Point Forward thing but it might be becoming clear that it's just not a thing...even Jokic has a viable PG in Murray.

When EVERYBODY looks bad - it's probably not due to everybody being bad. I'd probably prefer to talk to vet coaches first and hear their vision for Paolo/Franz but, if it becomes inevitable that it's just not the right path, they'll be looking for a PG. I really don't know - it could change overnight if things 'click', but it's not been promising. I also think dropping back into the "all defense all the time iso, shoot at the 23rd second" mode will look better short-term, but is a limited solution.

There are lots of guys I'd rather package before Suggs but you just can't have a $70m+ backcourt composed of two guys who very clearly play the same position.

Possible PG targets...not sure, name a team that could part with a really prominent one...SAS has Dylan Harper who could make Fox expendable quickly. I'm not enamored with Fox as a true PG but it's a scenario to be discussed. Don't know that SAS needs another Castle in Suggs either. How's Nikola Topic looking in OKC?

If we trade Suggs for a PG than our defense collapses.
We had Suggs-great, KCP-great, Wagner-great, Banchero-bad, WCJ-average
We will have PG-below average Bane-below average, Wagner-slipped to good, Banchero- bad, WCJ- slipped to bad

[MasterGMer]

If this season really continues to look dismal...I think it will be Suggs who goes out for a PG. No idea who or with what package, but Suggs is very valuable, imo, very young, and has a fat beginning to his contract that can bring back another high dollar player.

I only think this because ORL can't play Suggs, a PG, AND Bane and I don't think the FO will bail on Bane after giving up so much and end up looking like a turnstile following KCP's similar misstep. If Suggs' shooting proves to be consistent, that will be a very hard decision to make, but despite this early season, I think Bane is the more proven 3pt threat and better overall player (not by a ton-considering Suggs' defensive rep). Many, including me, have defended the Point Forward thing but it might be becoming clear that it's just not a thing...even Jokic has a viable PG in Murray.

When EVERYBODY looks bad - it's probably not due to everybody being bad. I'd probably prefer to talk to vet coaches first and hear their vision for Paolo/Franz but, if it becomes inevitable that it's just not the right path, they'll be looking for a PG. I really don't know - it could change overnight if things 'click', but it's not been promising. I also think dropping back into the "all defense all the time iso, shoot at the 23rd second" mode will look better short-term, but is a limited solution.

There are lots of guys I'd rather package before Suggs but you just can't have a $70m+ backcourt composed of two guys who very clearly play the same position.

Possible PG targets...not sure, name a team that could part with a really prominent one...SAS has Dylan Harper who could make Fox expendable quickly. I'm not enamored with Fox as a true PG but it's a scenario to be discussed. Don't know that SAS needs another Castle in Suggs either. How's Nikola Topic looking in OKC?

If we trade Suggs for a PG than our defense collapses.
We had Suggs-great, KCP-great, Wagner-great, Banchero-bad, WCJ-average
We will have PG-below average Bane-below average, Wagner-slipped to good, Banchero- bad, WCJ- slipped to bad

I think defense is more about scheme and basic principles than individual defensive talent. More.

[Skybox]

I don't regret the Bane trade...but with that bucket of stuff, we could have targeted lots of guys.

I remember responding to threads in the general TnT boards and really questioning Bane's value vs salary (in a proposal someone posted way before the real one came up)

I didn't realize he had the playmaking aspect to his game.
I also was under the impression that he was a very good defender.

we're paying too much for two shooting guards...the theories (including my own) are falling apart. This isn't really that surprising, in hindsight, I tend to be optimistic and rationalize ahead how things can go right. I also love an unconventional angle before the crowd. Sometimes, however, there's a reason that everyone has evolved to the same roles and systems.

[VFX]

If this season really continues to look dismal...I think it will be Suggs who goes out for a PG. No idea who or with what package, but Suggs is very valuable, imo, very young, and has a fat beginning to his contract that can bring back another high dollar player.

I only think this because ORL can't play Suggs, a PG, AND Bane and I don't think the FO will bail on Bane after giving up so much and end up looking like a turnstile following KCP's similar misstep. If Suggs' shooting proves to be consistent, that will be a very hard decision to make, but despite this early season, I think Bane is the more proven 3pt threat and better overall player (not by a ton-considering Suggs' defensive rep). Many, including me, have defended the Point Forward thing but it might be becoming clear that it's just not a thing...even Jokic has a viable PG in Murray.

When EVERYBODY looks bad - it's probably not due to everybody being bad. I'd probably prefer to talk to vet coaches first and hear their vision for Paolo/Franz but, if it becomes inevitable that it's just not the right path, they'll be looking for a PG. I really don't know - it could change overnight if things 'click', but it's not been promising. I also think dropping back into the "all defense all the time iso, shoot at the 23rd second" mode will look better short-term, but is a limited solution.

There are lots of guys I'd rather package before Suggs but you just can't have a $70m+ backcourt composed of two guys who very clearly play the same position.

Possible PG targets...not sure, name a team that could part with a really prominent one...SAS has Dylan Harper who could make Fox expendable quickly. I'm not enamored with Fox as a true PG but it's a scenario to be discussed. Don't know that SAS needs another Castle in Suggs either. How's Nikola Topic looking in OKC?

The only player that actually showed up this season and you want to trade him in an effort to get this non existent system to work.

Is Paolo Banchero even capable of working in a system on offense where he can operate without the ball? We dont even know that yet. It has yet to be seen. They acquired Tyus Jones and it’s the worst pairing on the court to date.

[MassimoPayne]

I still don't know why they did not go after Dennis Schröder. Solide PG and proven to play with Franz. He for sure would limit his own scoring for Franz, Paolo and Bane. Maybe the Kings **** it up and there is a chance

[AdamTheGreek]

I still don't know why they did not go after Dennis Schröder. Solide PG and proven to play with Franz. He for sure would limit his own scoring for Franz, Paolo and Bane. Maybe the Kings **** it up and there is a chance

Dennis is a mental head case. That’s why he bounces around the league. He’s not a good Germany captain.

[MassimoPayne]

Are the Magic desperate enough to sign Ben Simmons?

[zaymon]

I still don't know why they did not go after Dennis Schröder. Solide PG and proven to play with Franz. He for sure would limit his own scoring for Franz, Paolo and Bane. Maybe the Kings **** it up and there is a chance

Our front office thought (maybe still thinks) that you can build offence around Banchero. Schroder doesnt fit defensively when you try to build around Paolo.
We would be much better with Schroder but what is the ceiling and does anybody has balls to tell Paolo he shouldnt run offense ?

[Skybox]

If this season really continues to look dismal...I think it will be Suggs who goes out for a PG. No idea who or with what package, but Suggs is very valuable, imo, very young, and has a fat beginning to his contract that can bring back another high dollar player.

I only think this because ORL can't play Suggs, a PG, AND Bane and I don't think the FO will bail on Bane after giving up so much and end up looking like a turnstile following KCP's similar misstep. If Suggs' shooting proves to be consistent, that will be a very hard decision to make, but despite this early season, I think Bane is the more proven 3pt threat and better overall player (not by a ton-considering Suggs' defensive rep). Many, including me, have defended the Point Forward thing but it might be becoming clear that it's just not a thing...even Jokic has a viable PG in Murray.

When EVERYBODY looks bad - it's probably not due to everybody being bad. I'd probably prefer to talk to vet coaches first and hear their vision for Paolo/Franz but, if it becomes inevitable that it's just not the right path, they'll be looking for a PG. I really don't know - it could change overnight if things 'click', but it's not been promising. I also think dropping back into the "all defense all the time iso, shoot at the 23rd second" mode will look better short-term, but is a limited solution.

There are lots of guys I'd rather package before Suggs but you just can't have a $70m+ backcourt composed of two guys who very clearly play the same position.

Possible PG targets...not sure, name a team that could part with a really prominent one...SAS has Dylan Harper who could make Fox expendable quickly. I'm not enamored with Fox as a true PG but it's a scenario to be discussed. Don't know that SAS needs another Castle in Suggs either. How's Nikola Topic looking in OKC?

The only player that actually showed up this season and you want to trade him in an effort to get this non existent system to work.

Is Paolo Banchero even capable of working in a system on offense where he can operate without the ball? We dont even know that yet. It has yet to be seen. They acquired Tyus Jones and it’s the worst pairing on the court to date.

I love Suggs but somebody's got to go if somebody's coming in...I don't see a roster with Suggs, Bane, and a GOOD starting-level guard. If PG play is the issue (I'm far from sure- it all looks gross), I'm merely choosing between Suggs and Bane going out and I think flipping Bane like KCP will severely diminish the return - Suggs has a much better deal and is a MUCH better defender. Other teams would definitely want him.

Unless some lightbulb goes off quick...it's looking like the no PG thing is not going to get better and two of our best four players play at the same spot. I'm betting on Bane's historical 3pt shooting over Suggs' although I am hopeful that Suggs could really prove to be a high-volume, high % 3pt shooter.

Just like, in another thread, Booker came up in a hypothetical Paolo move...how many SGs making huge $$$ can we have...that would be no solution. Our problem isn't talent - it's complementary talent.

I'm honestly still a believer that these are, admittedly awful, growing pains as we adapt to new players, new offensive pace, etc and that things have a good chance of stabilizing soon.

[Skybox]

I've always liked Reaves and he's playing himself out of LAL's budget right now. I'd consider Suggs or Bane straight up and give him Suggs' deal.

Tough call for LAL, but they could be kind of unbalanced with TOO much playmaking and not enough D. Smart's still a good defender but Suggs has so much more offensive potential than he ever had.

[MasterGMer]

I've always liked Reaves and he's playing himself out of LAL's budget right now. I'd consider Suggs or Bane straight up and give him Suggs' deal.

Tough call for LAL, but they could be kind of unbalanced with TOO much playmaking and not enough D. Smart's still a good defender but Suggs has so much more offensive potential than he ever had.

I do think Austin Reaves will be on the market before trade deadline. Why? LA can not let him walk for free. Yes, LA can even afford to extend him with LeBron's contract gone next offseason. But I don't think they will spend it on one player named Reaves.

Just my opinion. And Austin Reaves is a very very good piece. However, in terms of Magic, we can not afford him and we have no starting roster for him either as of right now

[zaymon]

I've always liked Reaves and he's playing himself out of LAL's budget right now. I'd consider Suggs or Bane straight up and give him Suggs' deal.

Tough call for LAL, but they could be kind of unbalanced with TOO much playmaking and not enough D. Smart's still a good defender but Suggs has so much more offensive potential than he ever had.

I do think Austin Reaves will be on the market before trade deadline. Why? LA can not let him walk for free. Yes, LA can even afford to extend him with LeBron's contract gone next offseason. But I don't think they will spend it on one player named Reaves.

Just my opinion. And Austin Reaves is a very very good piece. However, in terms of Magic, we can not afford him and we have no starting roster for him either as of right now

Reaves could be another player who is not good enough to run offense and with too limited defense to play on the wing. We have first row to observe such problems on our team already

[MasterGMer]

I really do think Lakers is going to think hard on Austin Reaves. Sell high on him before the deadline now or extend him very very expensive in the offseason? Or the third option, to let him walk for nothing.

lol. I know Austin Reaves is going to get paid. And it is not going to be the Magic. (Emoji: We can not afford him) lol

[Skybox]

what's the buy-low deal to grab Ja and bet on his resurgence?

I can't quit him. He's electrifying...like Iverson. Easy to dissect his game (just like PB ) but always capable of being the best player in the whole league on any given night. I'd hate to give up Suggs as their chemistry would be ferocious but not sure where else to look in our lineup. If Suggs' shooting is going to be a real thing...

I'd say (and likely get hung up on re: Coward, but you've got to assume Bane is greater value than Ja right now-with all of the intangibles):

ORL sends: Desmond Bane, Goga Bitadze, Jett Howard
MEM sends: Ja Morant, Cedric Coward

I think Coward is a stud...ORL might suggest subbing in AB and getting back a frp, but I prefer it as is.

Ja, Tyus, Jase
Suggs, AB
Franz, TdS
Banchero, Coward, Isaac
WCJ, Isaac, Moe

*potential killer, Ja fired agent Mike Miller for some crazy scheme to start his own agency.

MUST SEE TV

[eyriq]

What can we do about our bigs? That's probably our biggest need.

[T-Cat]

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