NBA Draft Rumors: Magic Trading Up Into Top 5?

The Orlando Magic could look to trade into the top five of the NBA Draft.

Jeremy Brener | Jun 9, 2023

In this story:

Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic currently has the Nos. 6 & 11 picks in the NBA Draft, but that may not be how it shakes out on June 22.

According to HoopsHype, "there’s a belief around the league that Orlando is open to moving the No. 6 and No. 11 picks if the Magic can move into the 3-5 range."

This makes sense considering the fact that Orlando doesn't have much space in its starting rotation and would be unable to guarantee both draft picks a starting role. Even if the Magic takes just one prospect, that player may not start. It's a crowded rotation as-is, and adding two talented players may be harmful for development of not just the rookies, but the young players still looking to take a step forward.

The Magic could look to trade up for a player like Alabama's Brandon Miller, Overtime Elite's Amen or Ausar Thompson, or Villanova's Cam Whitmore among others.

The teams in the 3-5 range also have reason to trade back.

The Portland Trail Blazers are seeking a trade out of the No. 3 pick, but the Magic's package of Nos. 6 & 11 may not be what they are looking for as they wish to acquire win-now talent to surround Damian Lillard with.

The Houston Rockets are in a similar boat at No. 4. There has been chatter of a deal being made, but Houston would look to add a veteran instead of trading back. After selecting seven first-round picks in the past two years (with two more coming in 2023), the Rockets are looking to compartmentalize, not add.

The Detroit Pistons at No. 5 are probably the team most likely to deal with the Magic and trade back. Even with their fair share of young players accrued in their rebuild, the Pistons could find value in an extra lottery pick. However, trading an extra lottery pick to move up one spot may not be worth it for the Magic in the end.

Orlando has many options with two lottery picks in the draft, and the team will mull over all of its opportunities, including trades and keeping both picks.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Magic? Click Here.

Follow The Magic Insider on Facebook.

Follow The Magic Insider on Twitter.

Want even more Orlando Magic news? Check out the SI.com team page here.

Published Jun 9, 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.