Orlando Magic Eye Big Trades to Boost Offense After Playoff Exit

Orlando, United States - As the Orlando Magic look to bolster their roster for the 2025-26 NBA season, trade rumors are heating up. Following a mixed bag of a season that culminated in a first-round playoff exit against the Boston Celtics, the Magic are weighing their options for impactful changes. The team finished the season with a 41-41 record, hindered by injuries to key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and it’s clear that adjustments are needed to move forward.

The Magic found themselves ranking near the bottom of the league offensively. They averaged just 105.4 points per game during the regular season, placing them 27th, and they were dead last in three-point shooting, making only 11.2 threes per game at a meager 31.8% accuracy. These figures skated even lower in the playoffs, where they averaged just 93.6 points per game, highlighting their pressing need for offensive upgrades. As Yahoo Sports reports, Orlando is willing to use up to $25 million in combined salary for trades to support their burgeoning stars, Banchero and Wagner.

Strategic Moves On the Horizon

With an eye on the future, the Magic are casting a wide net for potential trade targets. The buzz around acquiring guards like Darius Garland, Trae Young, and Anfernee Simons is palpable, as they would help address the team’s pressing backcourt needs. However, more budget-friendly options are also in play, such as Coby White of the Chicago Bulls, who comes with a solid scoring average of 20.4 points per game and a contract that fits within Orlando’s financial plans.

Banchero and Wagner are hailed as one of the best forward tandems in the league, but they need support if they are to take the next step. The Magic’s defensive strategies were effective last season, but offensive output remained heavily reliant on these two players. Hence, a trade involving Cole Anthony or Jonathan Isaac, primarily for salary-matching purposes, could be in the cards, as they seek a more balanced offensive roster. As Sports Illustrated notes, even star players like Kevin Durant are on the radar, despite concerns about effectively integrating him given his age and current role.

Proposed Trades and Roster Dynamics

Adding to the speculation, Sporting News outlines a potential blockbuster that could see the Magic acquiring Jordan Poole and Khris Middleton from the Washington Wizards. This trade would involve the Wizards receiving Cole Anthony, Jonathan Isaac, Goga Bitadze, Jett Howard, and a top-10 protected first-round pick. Poole, who averages around 20 points per game, holds the potential to ease the scoring burden on Banchero and Wagner, while Middleton’s veteran presence could enhance team chemistry, provided he maintains his health.

With the NBA Draft looming on June 25-26, the Magic also hold the No. 16 and No. 25 picks, which could further influence their strategy moving forward. While the stakes are high, there is a sense of optimism around shifting the roster to elevate the team’s competitiveness. Fans of the Magic are eager to see what this new chapter, marked by strategic trades and potential roster shifts, will bring.

As we observe these developments, one thing is clear: the Orlando Magic are ready to make their move, and the anticipation is tangible. Will they land a star or will the focus remain on well-rounded contributions from a revamped lineup? Only time will tell, but you can bet the Magic are determined to put their best foot forward this season.