Official 2025-2026 Magic Trade ideas thread

[Skybox]

Super Summer...

Does AB's ascendance get us Kessler straight up? Both extend/re-up for $22m per, but Kessler's kicks in first, so to match salary...
ORL sends: AB (10.1m) and Isaac ($14.5) to UTA for Kessler...maybe ORL adds a couple srps for Isaac's deal

ORL sends: Paolo (41.5m), WCJ (18.1m), future frp
MIL sends: Giannis (58.5m)

Kessler, Goga, Moe
Giannis, Penda, TdS
Franz, TdS
Suggs, Jase
Bane, Tyus

Our backcourt is weakened, but our frontcourt is the best in the NBA


or...(drumroll)

Paolo, Goga and Suggs ($82m) to MIL for Giannis & Turner ($85m)
*MIL might even have to throw a frp, imo. This version is a reflection of my growing faith in AB...it hurts, but we'd be favorites (at least in the East) overnight. I think Suggs is underrated and Turner is overrated, but that's allowing for Giannis > PB apparent value. I think if Paolo entered the Giannis equation, MIL would have a VERY tough time imagining a single greater asset anyone else would build an offer around.

Myles Turner, WCJ, Moe
Giannis, WCJ, Penda
Franz, TdS
AB, TdS
Bane, Jase

I'm just talking value...it's okay to discuss

[byeganyo]

Kessler? From Utah? he seems damaged goods right now.

[tiderulz]

Super Summer...

Does AB's ascendance get us Kessler straight up? Both extend/re-up for $22m per, but Kessler's kicks in first, so to match salary...
ORL sends: AB (10.1m) and Isaac ($14.5) to UTA for Kessler...maybe ORL adds a couple srps for Isaac's deal

ORL sends: Paolo (41.5m), WCJ (18.1m), future frp
MIL sends: Giannis (58.5m)

Kessler, Goga, Moe
Giannis, Penda, TdS
Franz, TdS
Suggs, Jase
Bane, Tyus

Our backcourt is weakened, but our frontcourt is the best in the NBA


or...(drumroll)

Paolo, Goga and Suggs ($82m) to MIL for Giannis & Turner ($85m)
*MIL might even have to throw a frp, imo. This version is a reflection of my growing faith in AB...it hurts, but we'd be favorites (at least in the East) overnight. I think Suggs is underrated and Turner is overrated, but that's allowing for Giannis > PB apparent value. I think if Paolo entered the Giannis equation, MIL would have a VERY tough time imagining a single greater asset anyone else would build an offer around.

Myles Turner, WCJ, Moe
Giannis, WCJ, Penda
Franz, TdS
AB, TdS
Bane, Jase

I'm just talking value...it's okay to discuss

Giannis is a great player. but he turns 31 and has a lot of mileage on his body. and he would be looking for his next deal after next year, at 32 which would be scary

and if AB continues to ascend, i keep him. too many examples of teams winning with average big men. but you need those good wing players.

[Skybox]

The Paolo for Giannis discussion is a good one...I don't think there is a single player that MIL could hypothetically get than would hold more value than Paolo. Considering age, contract duration, marketability, star power, etc. His game is similar in style to Giannis', so a rebuild on the fly to accomodate PB wouldn't mean a teardown. Giannis is MUCH more of an overwhelming force today but he is already 31.

Simple question with a yes or no answer...If we straight up swapped Paolo for Giannis (with say Isaac for salary filler), is ORL the clear favorite in the East for at least the next 3 years?

WCJ, Goga, Moe
Giannis, Penda
Franz, TdS
Suggs, Jase
Bane, AB, Tyus

I'm a big believer in Paolo and I'll argue that he's our MVP, regardless of advanced metrics, etc - he's THE most unstoppable force on the team and he's still got a lot to learn and has the physical profile and agility to be All-NBA and maybe someday, if things go right, MVP. Giannis is that now, so it's 100% likelihood vs Paolo's ceiling, but...

I also think Franz is entering perennial All-Star territory and I think he's a better "Robin". Franz has as complete a game as nearly anyone in the NBA, more well-rounded than Paolo's and, therefore, more versatile and pliable to adapt to changes in play style or roster changes, so I'd move Paolo before I'd move Franz (in general).

[VFX]

The Paolo for Giannis discussion is a good one...

Not really.

The way Giannis plays he is past his prime similar to Embiid, who is basically out of the league already.

I’d understand some kind of discussion if we were talking about a player that would 100% change Orlando’s system offensively like a Maxey, Booker, Markkenan situation. A Paolo for Giannis move would be a gift to Milwaukee and a long term downgrade for Orlando.

I’d rather they just develop Paolo correctly.

[JoshuaPotter]

The Paolo for Giannis discussion is a good one...

Not really.

The way Giannis plays he is past his prime similar to Embiid, who is basically out of the league already.

I’d understand some kind of discussion if we were talking about a player that would 100% change Orlando’s system offensively like a Maxey, Booker, Markkenan situation. A Paolo for Giannis move would be a gift to Milwaukee and a long term downgrade for Orlando.

I’d rather they just develop Paolo correctly.

Add to that, and I don't see our team makeup as good enough to his prior teams that won a championship. I think Giannis would be a great addition and would help us short term but what will we do when the flaws in our roster construction come up? Well be in the same position MIL was.

[Bergmaniac]

The Paolo for Giannis discussion is a good one...

Not really.

The way Giannis plays he is past his prime similar to Embiid, who is basically out of the league already.

I’d understand some kind of discussion if we were talking about a player that would 100% change Orlando’s system offensively like a Maxey, Booker, Markkenan situation. A Paolo for Giannis move would be a gift to Milwaukee and a long term downgrade for Orlando.

I’d rather they just develop Paolo correctly.

Giannis is still in his prime, he is averaging 29 PPG on absurd 64 FG% while his team's second best offensive player is...I don't even know who, probably Ryan Rollins, a second round draft pick who barely played in his first two years in the league. He'd be a massive upgrade over Paolo in the next several years.

[eyriq]

The Paolo for Giannis discussion is a good one...

Not really.

The way Giannis plays he is past his prime similar to Embiid, who is basically out of the league already.

I’d understand some kind of discussion if we were talking about a player that would 100% change Orlando’s system offensively like a Maxey, Booker, Markkenan situation. A Paolo for Giannis move would be a gift to Milwaukee and a long term downgrade for Orlando.

I’d rather they just develop Paolo correctly.

Giannis is still in his prime, he is averaging 29 PPG on absurd 64 FG% while his team's second best offensive player is...I don't even know who, probably Ryan Rollins, a second round draft pick who barely played in his first two years in the league. He'd be a massive upgrade over Paolo in the next several years.

Paolo will be better within two seasons, this would be a terrible trade.

Edit: Giannis is injury prone and exiting his prime while Paolo is two seasons away from the start of his prime. It's an absurd trade idea.

[byeganyo]

While i am not advocating any trade Giannis is a/10 years younger than Lebron and b/ has played more games than Paolo this season. And the last one too. As for primes - at Paolo age Giannis had 27/10/5 season.

[Skybox]

For the record, I wouldn't do it...I believe Paolo could become the closest thing to today's Giannis in the next couple of years if he focuses on developing the right things. Possessions and Pace seem to be the name of the game this season and they both have the physical tools and enough ballhandling to keep other teams on skates...if Paolo can learn to love speed and the mismatches and chaos it creates rather than asking defenders if they are ready for him to get started pounding the ball in slow but powerful halfcourt iso mudslinging. He could have even more FTs this way.

-Court vision and creating opportunities with his massive downhill gravity
-Rip and Run to initiate quick turnarounds and catching defenses on their heels
-Driving and smashing in the faces of opponents- 3 at a time, if necessary as an unstoppable freight train
-Offensive rebounding and putbacks which lead to even more trips to the line
-not worrying so much about getting up 3pt shots but playing to his strengths...if the floor spreading is there, even better but not his greatest tool

[VFX]

The Paolo for Giannis discussion is a good one...

Not really.

The way Giannis plays he is past his prime similar to Embiid, who is basically out of the league already.

I’d understand some kind of discussion if we were talking about a player that would 100% change Orlando’s system offensively like a Maxey, Booker, Markkenan situation. A Paolo for Giannis move would be a gift to Milwaukee and a long term downgrade for Orlando.

I’d rather they just develop Paolo correctly.

Giannis is still in his prime, he is averaging 29 PPG on absurd 64 FG% while his team's second best offensive player is...I don't even know who, probably Ryan Rollins, a second round draft pick who barely played in his first two years in the league. He'd be a massive upgrade over Paolo in the next several years.

I’m aware of his numbers. Not the point.

Giannis on a team of nobodies except AJ Green is going to score a billion points because they have nothing else. It’s not like his game is finesse and he’s changed to be a shooter for longevity.

He would change nothing about Orlando’s system in a Paolo swap. The Magic don’t need 1 guy to come in and take 17-20 shots inside to replace a guy that takes 17-20 shots inside. They would simply be shortening their window dramatically and losing value for zero reason. Quick spoiler alert… OKC is winning the championship this season.

[Skybox]

Not really.

The way Giannis plays he is past his prime similar to Embiid, who is basically out of the league already.

I’d understand some kind of discussion if we were talking about a player that would 100% change Orlando’s system offensively like a Maxey, Booker, Markkenan situation. A Paolo for Giannis move would be a gift to Milwaukee and a long term downgrade for Orlando.

I’d rather they just develop Paolo correctly.

Giannis is still in his prime, he is averaging 29 PPG on absurd 64 FG% while his team's second best offensive player is...I don't even know who, probably Ryan Rollins, a second round draft pick who barely played in his first two years in the league. He'd be a massive upgrade over Paolo in the next several years.

I’m aware of his numbers. Not the point.

Giannis on a team of nobodies except AJ Green is going to score a billion points because they have nothing else. It’s not like his game is finesse and he’s changed to be a shooter for longevity.

Waitaminit...he's put up nearly identical stats for almost a decade, regardless of the supporting staff or title aspirations.

[VFX]

Giannis is still in his prime, he is averaging 29 PPG on absurd 64 FG% while his team's second best offensive player is...I don't even know who, probably Ryan Rollins, a second round draft pick who barely played in his first two years in the league. He'd be a massive upgrade over Paolo in the next several years.

I’m aware of his numbers. Not the point.

Giannis on a team of nobodies except AJ Green is going to score a billion points because they have nothing else. It’s not like his game is finesse and he’s changed to be a shooter for longevity.

Waitaminit...he's put up nearly identical stats for almost a decade, regardless of the supporting staff or title aspirations.

Are we saying that he isnt the #1 go-to option for Milwaukee for nearly a decade regardless of who is next to him?

My point is that the numbers arent the point at all. It's about the age/window/and way he plays. Did you read the rest of the post?

[basketballRob]

Does Da Silva have any value?

Sent from my SM-G998U1 using RealGM mobile app

[jezzerinho]

Hang on a sec people.

The new cap and NBA climate means building a dynasty is next to impossible (until someone does it of course!) But the point stands - saying you wouldn't trade Paolo for Giannis because of age and what Paolo might become is being blind to this reality. Your window is a few years at most. If you can land a pretty prime Giannis and put him in this Magic team by losing Paolo and minor assets, you do it.

You do it 10 times out of 10. Maybe in former times or so.e future era it'll be possible to keep the band together for a decade and have them mature as a unit. But right now, you take Giannis and run all the way to the finals.

And that is in no way disloyalty or a slight on Paolo or what he might be.

[uraverage]

Hang on a sec people.

The new cap and NBA climate means building a dynasty is next to impossible (until someone does it of course!) But the point stands - saying you wouldn't trade Paolo for Giannis because of age and what Paolo might become is being blind to this reality. Your window is a few years at most. If you can land a pretty prime Giannis and put him in this Magic team by losing Paolo and minor assets, you do it.

You do it 10 times out of 10. Maybe in former times or so.e future era it'll be possible to keep the band together for a decade and have them mature as a unit. But right now, you take Giannis and run all the way to the finals.

And that is in no way disloyalty or a slight on Paolo or what he might be.

The problem is Giannis next contract... 4 year $275 million will cripple any team and will be extremely expensive. Is a #1 that can barely lead a team to the playoffs in the East worth that?

[Bensational]

It’s incredibly tempting to consider a Paolo + filler for Giannis swap as an all chips in move. Former MVP and champion, he’s an unstoppable interior presence that would take our already great defense up a big notch and would probably help unlock the spacing for our shooters to finally improve.

Milwaukee would probably want to send Paolo on to another team for a boatload of picks and youth (Portland makes sense on that front).

My hunch says OKC repeat what the 70 win Warriors did and flunk out of the playoffs this year, then send all their picks to Milwaukee for Giannis.

[Redwood]

I’m aware of his numbers. Not the point.

Giannis on a team of nobodies except AJ Green is going to score a billion points because they have nothing else. It’s not like his game is finesse and he’s changed to be a shooter for longevity.

Waitaminit...he's put up nearly identical stats for almost a decade, regardless of the supporting staff or title aspirations.

Are we saying that he isnt the #1 go-to option for Milwaukee for nearly a decade regardless of who is next to him?

My point is that the numbers arent the point at all. It's about the age/window/and way he plays. Did you read the rest of the post?

I'd trade PB and even Suggs if it landed him. My logic is whether we trade for him or not, we probably have only until the end of their contracts (PB, Suggs) to win a championship. One, or even both, are likely to leave at that point. Lebron and KD have played for half the league, Luka is playing for another team (and no doubt will play for several more), Harden, Kawhi, Westbrook, and literally countless others. Everyone would love to have a Tim Duncan, or a Dirk, where they stay their entire career, but 99.99999 % of the time that doesn't happen. Players you draft finish their career elsewhere, it's just how it goes.

So, who gives us a better chance of winning a championship in the next four years? I say it's Giannis by a considerable margin. Or we can gamble and hope PB and Suggs even re-sign here (if we even want them to), and watch them walk for nothing. It's all a risk, but to me Giannis is worth that risk. Maybe we trade for him and don't win a championship, okay whatever. But he's the kind of player you go all in for, PB and especially Suggs aren't in that tier and most likely never will be.

[MasterGMer]

Paolo is gonna prove yall wrong, even though I am in the camp of wanting Giannis.

But there is no perfect scenario, we have to give up somebody. Could we put up a team that is in contention with Giannis? Sure. But I somehow still like us to keep our young core as much as possible. That speaks "Win Now" and be ready for the next 4 or 5 years.

Everyone knows the rules of second apron. Yes, it is targetting franchises like us. It could put as much constraints to us as much as possible.

Look at Boston? No Porzingis and no Jure Holiday now. JT is still out.

Should Magic at least try to make an offer? Yes, we should. But how much of that is going to come to fruition? Idk

[Knightro]

Not really.

The way Giannis plays he is past his prime similar to Embiid, who is basically out of the league already.

I’d understand some kind of discussion if we were talking about a player that would 100% change Orlando’s system offensively like a Maxey, Booker, Markkenan situation. A Paolo for Giannis move would be a gift to Milwaukee and a long term downgrade for Orlando.

I’d rather they just develop Paolo correctly.

Giannis is still in his prime, he is averaging 29 PPG on absurd 64 FG% while his team's second best offensive player is...I don't even know who, probably Ryan Rollins, a second round draft pick who barely played in his first two years in the league. He'd be a massive upgrade over Paolo in the next several years.

Paolo will be better within two seasons, this would be a terrible trade.

Edit: Giannis is injury prone and exiting his prime while Paolo is two seasons away from the start of his prime. It's an absurd trade idea.

I can safely say Paolo will never be better than Giannis is right this moment.

Like not even close.

You’d basically have a legitimate 3 year title window if you flipped Paolo for Giannis.