If they make a couple of key roster moves, the Orlando Magic have the potential to be one of the biggest players in the talent acquisition market this summer.
Despite their 34-48 record, the Orlando Magic made a lot of progress this season. First-round pick Paolo Banchero lived up to the hype and became the Rookie of the Year for the 2022-2023 season. And last season’s top selection Franz Wagner took another nice development step forward in his sophomore season.
Most importantly, head coach Jamahl Mosley led the team to 12 more wins than they had last year, including three victories over Eastern Conference powerhouse the Boston Celtics. In his second year, he showed his ability to develop talent and the upside he has as a head coach.
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Overall there is a lot of hope around the Orlando Magic’s long-term potential. Many assumed the team would look to land more talented prospects with their two picks in the first round of the NBA Draft this month and try to take another step forward in 2023-2024. However, they actually have the chance to take a leap ahead if they wanted to next season.
On Tuesday, Heavy.com NBA insider Sean Deveney spoke to an Eastern Conference executive who claimed the Orlando Magic are a team to watch in the coming weeks because “They could put together some serious cap space. They could sign two guys to big contracts. They could trade away some of their draft assets to get experienced players and just really put everything into turning that corner and becoming a playoff team.”
To add to the already solid amount of cap space the organization has, the Magic could cut ties with Jonathan Isaac, Markelle Fultz, and Michael Carter-Williams. Players who have partially or non-guaranteed contracts for next season. If they do free up even more salary cap space, here are five stars they could target in free agency or a trade that includes their picks in the top-11 of the draft.
Fred VanVleet
The Orlando Magic need a good, proven, veteran floor general, and there are few better options on the market than Fred VanVleet. He could help make things easier for the team’s young scorers and offer a needed scoring boost from the backcourt.
Plus, while he would not come cheap he isn’t going to come at a superstar max contract rate either. He could make a major impact at a reasonable rate and also allow them to get a second star for him to play along side.
Russell Westbrook
One-time NBA MVP Russell Westbrook could also be an option if the Magic want the scoring guard they’ve lacked. Although he struggled in his time with the Lakers, his short stint with the Clippers at the end of the season showed he still has All-Star-level talent. Furthermore, his poor play in recent seasons likely diminished his value enough to where Orlando could sign him for a more reasonable price than he would have had four years ago.
James Harden
Most assume James Harden will take his talents back to Houston this summer. However, being competitive is part of the equation for the team the one-time MVP wants to land with. If he is able to bring another star with him, to add to a roster that already includes Banchero and Wagner, Harden could surprise by taking a big deal to play with an Orlando team that has more upside that Houston heading into next season.
DeMar DeRozan
While free agency is one route for the Orlando Magic to go to add a star, they could also do so in a trade. One player who could be available, and in a position of need, is DeMar DeRozan. The Bulls were a mess last season and could decide that cap space and a top-10 pick in the draft is enough reason to move on from DeRozan and start from scratch.
For the Orlando Magic, they would get the knockdown shooter they want and a veteran that can teach their young core what is needed to win consistently in the league.
Nikola Vucevic
If the Magic wanted to upgrade the center spot and move on from Wendell Carter Jr. as their starter, a reunion with four-time All-Star Nikola Vucevic is possible. The 32-year-old built his reputation during a strong eight and half-season run in Florida. And while he is aging, he is still an upgrade over Carter since he is a more versatile scorer to pair with Banchero in the frontcourt.