Last summer, the Orlando Magic went all-in. They traded four unprotected first-round picks and one first-round pick swap for Desmond Bane. After a first-round exit that they had to go through the play-in tournament to achieve, they could once again push their chips into the middle of the table.
If Orlando is willing to break up the tandem of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner to acquire Giannis Antetokounmpo, then it'll be difficult for any team to top its offer. The two-time NBA MVP wants to stay in the East and play for a title contender, per ESPN's Shams Charania.
Even after a trade like this, the Magic's standing in the conference, and compared to the top squads in the West, is up for debate. However, it's a scenario that could satisfy Antetokounmpo. That's essential, since he has a player option for the 2027-27 campaign and can therefore enter free agency next summer.
It's a business decision for a future Hall of Famer who wants to maximize what's left of his prime and add more championship rings to his resume. Still, the appeal of swapping the Midwest's winters for Southeast sunshine in Central Florida and no state tax doesn't hurt Orlando's case.
Should the Magic trade for Giannis?
Exchanging a longer runway for a better chance at a championship in the short term seems ill-advised. Seemingly, if Orlando disregarded that, Banchero is the more likely of its burgeoning young wings to be Milwaukee-bound. A reconfigured core of Antetokounmpo, Wagner, Bane, and Jalen Suggs is promising. And there is no dominant team in the East. That quartet could propel the franchise to the Finals.
The Magic proved with last summer's deal for Bane that they aren't risk-averse. However, a trade for Antetokounmpo would take them over the first apron. They would still have questions about their three-point prowess and ball movement.
There are also concerns about the durability and mileage on the tires of a 10-time All-Star. He's nearing the end of his prime, and his game isn't built to age gracefully. It's a gamble with few opportunities to pay off. If it does, an expansion franchise that's yet to lift the Larry O'Brien Trophy would have no regrets.
Even with Banchero coming off a season where he didn't show the evolution from beyond the arc or as a facilitator that many had hoped, it's likely best for Orlando to remain patient. He's only 23. Furthermore, this is a league where stars become available. A deal for one that doesn't require this much of a gamble could present itself down the road.
So, while it's tempting to act boldly again this summer, a risk that's more likely to lead to pain than the promised land is probably a trade the Magic would grow to regret.
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