Could Orlando Magic Trade with Memphis Grizzlies After Steven Adams Injury?

After Steven Adams was announced out for the season, the Orlando Magic could offer a trade for future assets.

The Memphis Grizzlies have been dealt another blow by the basketball gods, as starting center Steven Adams is out for the season while he recovers from injury. 

Without Adams and star guard Ja Morant for the first 25 games (suspended) the Grizzlies will be playing catchup. After finishing second in the West last season, the Grizzlies could turn to the Orlando Magic to make them competitive for the first bit of the upcoming season.

While the Grizzlies are not looking to replace Morant, their new center, Xavier Tillman Sr. is not the long-term answer. Luckily for them, the Magic have no shortage of oversized talent.

Orlando has three centers on the roster who have some starting experience. Memphis could make an offer for any of them. Wendell Carter Jr. provides some floor spacing and rim protection. Jonathan Isaac is a stalworth defender who can fight for rebounds down low, and Moritz Wagner–clearly the worst option of the three–has proven himself to be serviceable.

Wendell Carter Jr. defends against the Portland TrailBlazers.

Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

While the Magic is aiming for the playoffs, the Grizzlies own all their first-round picks through 2030 and have the worst of Washington’s or Phoenix’s picks in 2030. Usually, Isaac or Carter Jr. would be worth a protected pick, but desperate times call for desperate measures.

Of course, Orlando would have to take back significant salaries if they ship out either Carter Jr. or Isaac. Luckily, Luke Kennard, one of the best shooters in the league, fits the bill.

Kennard isn’t slated to receive significant minutes this season, especially after Morant returns, so attaching a pick to him for a starting center wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibility.

Adding a pick for one of the two centers mentioned would require the Magic to fully believe in whoever remains, so a trade likely won’t happen until both have played quite a bit, and the front office knows what Carter Jr. and Isaac will be bringing to the table this season.