NFL
By: Mark T. Wilson
The Orlando Magic may get lucky after missing out on Paul George this offseason. There are reports that the Cleveland Cavaliers could be looking to trade starting PG Darius Garland if the price is right. The Magic have the assets to pull off such a move.
The Cavs were one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference last season. However, many believe their backcourt was too small to be considered real contenders. Garland paired with Donovan Mitchell was just not enough. Doing the eye test, they seemed formidable. Garland finished the season with averages of 18.0 points and 6.5 assists. And yet, analysts still believe he’s not the answer next to Mitchell.
In the case of the Magic, Garland is exactly what’s needed. With their recent addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, they now have another defensive presence in the backcourt, one who doesn’t require a high volume of shots per game. This bodes well for the Magic frontcourt where their bulk of scoring is generated.
Last season, the Magic relied on Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, and Markell Fultz for production. While each one added their contributions, the Magic were still void of a truce facilitator. Adding Garland to this core fixes that instantly.
Suggs started 75 games for the Orlando Magic during the 23-24 season and finished with averages of 12.6 points and 2.7 assists. Fultz, in 18 starts (43 games) averaged 7.8 points and 2.8 assists and Anthony finished with averages of 11.6 points and 2.9 assists. Garland would be an upgrade on both ends of the floor.
According to Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report, the Orlando Magic would send Suggs, Anthony, and Wendell Carter Jr to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Darius Garland and Jaylon Tyson. Losing Carter Will hurt in the short term but that will allow either Franz Wagner or Jonathan Isaac to take over the 5 spot and maybe slide his brother Moritz Wagner into the starting 4 spot.
The second unit for the Orlando Magic will take a hit with Mo now starting and Anthony off to Cleveland but it will allow Anthony Black and Gary Harris to take on bigger roles. The Magic are young and have the legs to remain fresh and are just cocky enough to make a serious run in the Eastern Conference next season with such a bold trade.
For the Magic to be considered true contenders, they will need to score the ball more. The Magic finished 24th in scoring last season and with a player like Garland directing the offense, it will make the jobs of Paolo Banchero and the Wagner much easier.
The Orlando Magic are one of the youngest teams in the NBA and a fit with Garland goes well with their current blueprint. Getting lost in all the hoopla in Cleveland, fans tend to forget that Garland is just entering his 6th season in the league. At the age of 24, he will join a team that’s poised to be in contention for a few more years.
