NBA Draft Rumors: Magic Trade 'Chatter'?

The Orlando Magic could look to trade one or both of its picks in this year's draft.

Jeremy Brener | May 31, 2023

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic holds the Nos. 6 & 11 picks in the NBA Draft, which kicks off in just about three weeks. However, by the end of the draft, it's possible that the Magic may not have players from those two draft slots.

"There's been some chatter that the Magic might not keep both of their lottery picks," ESPN writes. "They should certainly have options if they choose to try to move around."

A trade for the Magic is certainly plausible given the team's position. Orlando has most of its rotation returning from last year ...

Guards: Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Gary Harris (likely, despite a non-guaranteed deal), Caleb Houstan

Forwards: Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac, Bol Bol

Centers: Wendell Carter Jr.

That's already nine people added in the rotation, and there's potential for the team to re-sign Moe Wagner to back up Carter. Adding two high draft picks to this group is counterproductive for the Magic, and for the rookies joining the team. This means that Orlando has reason to find a new home for at least one of these picks.

Perhaps the Magic use the picks to trade up, or the team deals one away to acquire a veteran that can help the team contend for the playoffs this season. Either way, it should surprise no one if Orlando is busy working the phones leading up to draft day.

The NBA Draft takes place Thursday, June 22 at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

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Published May 31, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.