NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
Following the NBA Draft Lottery, rumors began to swirl as to who would look to make major moves this offseason. The Orlando Magic could very easily be one of those teams looking to make a major leap forward. As the Lottery unfolded, it was revealed that the Magic will hold 2 picks in the top 14 (6th, 11th). The door to the playoffs in 2024 is now wide open for them to enter.
According to Zach Buckley of Bleacher Report, the Orlando Magic could do a trade that involves the 11th pick in the 2023 NBA Draft and the Chicago Bulls parting ways with SG Zach LaVine. The full details of the trade will be the Bulls receiving the 11th pick, Gary Harris, Jonathan Isaac, and Jalen Suggs, and the Magic receiving LaVine.
No matter how this is swung, this works out for all parties. The Bulls struggled last season with a team that featured LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Nikola Vucevic. While the Lonzo Ball injury took some sail out of the winds, having LaVine and Derozan should have been more than enough to be labeled as a contender in the Eastern Conference. However, it didn’t go that well as the Bulls would finish the season 40-42 and faded out in the Play-in Tournament.
Will The Orlando Magic Trade The No.11 Pick
For the Orlando Magic, this is definitely a win all around. As young as they are, they’re ready to take a step forward after finishing the season 34-48. Led by a young nucleus that includes ROY Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr, Markell Fultz, Franz Wagner, and Moritz Wagner. The reason this trade also makes sense for the Magic is that they still have the 6th pick in the Draft.
While LaVine will bring over a hefty price tag of $43M, he could sign a longer deal or be a one-year rental for the Magic. This will also free them up from Issac who has been a health disappointment since signing his big deal in 2020. However, in that one year, LaVine will bring more to the table than any 11th pick will in their rookie year.
A lineup that features Paolo, Fultz, Wagner, LaVine, and Carter Jr should be near the top 5 in the Eastern Conference or maybe even higher. For them now, it’s about rounding out the role players. Cole Anthony is still there along with Bol Bol, and Chuma Okeke. If they can clear some cap space, then attacking the free-agent pool for role players is a must.
Despite the Bulls’ struggles, Zach LaVine managed to average 24.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 4.2 assists while shooting .485 percent from the field including .375 from deep. LaVine would easily become the lead option on the offensive side of the ball for the Orlando Magic with Benchero backing him up. The move is there to be made, it’s just a question of if the Magic are serious about being contenders now or wait another year or two.
