Jason Burgos
A new report makes a Paolo Banchero trade out of Orlando this summer seem a lot more likely.
While the Orlando Magic star has not been the dominant force the team needs as a former No. 1 overall pick, the 23-year-old is still a very gifted player. He showed that with his 38 and 45-point performances in their playoff series against the Detroit Pistons. However, there is no denying he has been the face of a team ousted in the first round in three straight seasons.
As of now, head coach Jamahl Mosley is taking the blame after being fired on Monday. However, an interesting report from ESPN NBA insiders Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst isn’t a good look for Banchero.
“They’re kind of a mess. Their ceiling just isn’t very high with Paolo. Their roster construction is just off,” an East scout said. “… Having him lead your team is tough to pull off.”
If scouts feel that way about Banchero, it’s possible Magic management feels the same, especially after they played well without him during the season. If Orlando did boldly trade the 2022 No. 1 pick, let’s look at five teams that could target a trade.
Dallas Mavericks
With Masai Ujiri now installed as the new president of the Dallas Mavericks, the team is sure to be aggressive in building a roster around last year’s No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. The Mavs have the contracts to make a deal work, but will need to throw in some future first-round picks to interest the Magic. If they do, the combo of Flagg and Banchero for the next five years will excite Dallas fans.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets badly need a long-term face of the franchise. Their rebuild has gone poorly thus far, and they don’t seem keen on making Michael Porter Jr. the heart of their roster. The Nets certainly have the draft assets and intriguing young talent. The big question is, does Orlando see big upside in their multiple first-round prospects from last June?
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings will be aggressive to overhaul their roster this offseason after a disastrous campaign in 2025-26. They have two extra first-rounders in upcoming drafts, including two in 2027. What makes the Kings an intriguing trade partner is that Orlando’s return could be a future first-rounder and three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis.
Despite his age (just turned 30) and injury woes this season, the forward and a first-rounder would be a good return for Orlando. While Sactown gets a new young star in the deal.
Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns made a lot of progress in 2025-26 after being one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA a season ago. New head coach Jordan Ott implemented a more defensive-minded system that would surely fit with Banchero, since he played in one for the Magic.
He won’t come cheap and will cost them a couple of future first-round picks, but a combo of Banchero and Devin Booker for the next few years could make Phoenix a force in the West.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are in the midst of a major overhaul. They have a new leader of the front office and are in search of a replacement for head coach Billy Donovan. Chicago also needs a proven star to be the face of this new era.
They certainly don’t want to trade Josh Giddey or Matas Buzelis. But they can offer several first-round picks, including one of their two potential selects in a stacked draft next month. It may not be enough to persuade Orlando, but they can put together a very nice trade package.
