The Orlando Magic were on the brink of advancing to the second round in their first playoff appearance in four years. With Paolo Banchero elevating the team and Jamahl Mosley excelling as head coach, the Magic added Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to push for contention, signaling an end to their lottery days.
In contrast, the Hawks have been heading in the opposite direction, addressing roster issues by trading Dejounte Murray for picks and players. The team is not in contention and might consider moving on from point guard Trae Young. To become a top-four team in the East, the Magic might need to make a substantial move.
**Trade Details**
**Orlando Magic Receive:** Trae Young
**Atlanta Hawks Receive:** Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, Moritz Wagner, 2025 First-Round Pick (ORL), 2026 First-Round Pick Swap (ORL), 2027 First-Round Pick (ORL)
Although this trade can’t be executed before October 4 due to Wagner’s signing restrictions, it would be a significant upgrade for the Magic. Young would enhance their offense alongside Banchero, while the Hawks would focus on rebuilding with young assets and future picks.
**Magic Add Crucial Offensive Creativity**
The Magic’s playoff exit was partly due to offensive struggles. They ranked in the bottom 10 for offensive rating last season, with a 113.4 rating, the worst among playoff teams. Despite offseason additions, the team still lacks a major offensive weapon to complement Banchero and Franz Wagner.
Young, who averaged 25.7 points and 10.8 assists last season, could provide the offensive boost the Magic need. While criticized for his defense, the Magic’s strong defensive lineup, including Jalen Suggs, KCP, and Jonathan Isaac, could mitigate Young’s defensive weaknesses.
However, the trade would require the Magic to part with promising young players like Black and Howard, as well as first-round picks for the next three years. If Young’s locker room issues follow him to Orlando, it could have long-term consequences. Despite this risk, the Magic have the potential to become major contenders in the East.
**Hawks Embrace Young Talent Ahead of Stacked Draft**
The Trae Young era has seen disappointment since the 2021 Eastern Conference Finals, revealing ongoing issues with roster construction. Trading Dejounte Murray won’t solve all problems, but the acquisition of Dyson Daniels and additional picks will support a rebuilding phase.
Anthony Black and Daniels could form a formidable defensive backcourt under Quin Snyder, known for his defensive coaching. Black and Jett Howard are talented young players, though Black struggled to secure a consistent role with the Magic.
Veterans Cole Anthony and Moritz Wagner offer immediate contributions. Anthony, with 11.6 points and 3.8 rebounds last season, and Wagner, with 10.9 points and 4.3 rebounds, provide depth. The Hawks may choose to retain Anthony or use him to give more minutes to young guards. Wagner’s future with the team will likely depend on the development of Onyeka Okongwu and the status of Clint Capela.
**A Risky Win-Win?**
The Hawks can begin moving forward after years of underachievement with Young, receiving a substantial return of lottery picks and future assets. The Magic, willing to take a risk with their picks and young players, are well-positioned to contend in the short term with Banchero and Wagner.
If the trade doesn’t pan out, the Magic could still rebuild with core players like Banchero and Wagner. While this trade is risky and somewhat unrealistic, it represents the kind of bold move the Magic might need to address their offensive issues.
