'Don't Sleep': No. 1 Pick Paolo Banchero Recruiting Kevin Durant to Magic?

So you're saying there's a chance?

Jeremy Brener | Jun 30, 2022

'Don't Sleep': No. 1 Pick Paolo Banchero Recruiting Kevin Durant to Magic? /

ORLANDO - When Kevin Durant shook up the NBA world by officially requesting a trade from the Brooklyn Nets Thursday, the Orlando Magic was one of the few teams with little to no chance of acquiring the superstar.

Nobody seemed to tell No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero, who was drafted by the team less than a week ago.

Even though Banchero hasn't been with the team (or even in the league) for very long, the No. 1 overall pick is making his push to team up with Durant in Central Florida.

In an Instagram story post, Banchero posted a photoshopped picture with Durant in a Magic jersey with the caption "Don't sleep."

Ironically enough, in a world where the Magic was interested in acquiring Durant, Banchero would likely be one of the players going back to the Nets in a return package considering the two play similar positions and Banchero has the highest upside of any player on the team currently. But the Magic rookie doesn't seem to care.

Durant requested a trade Thursday, just days after it was announced that Kyrie Irving would opt in to the final year of his contract.

Durant has the Phoenix Suns and in-state rival Miami Heat among his preferred list of teams, according to ESPN, but several teams could enter the race with stars around the league pushing for the future Hall of Famer to join them in their respective city.

While Orlando probably isn't going to be one of those teams, you have to applaud the rookie for trying. The worst Durant could say is 'no.'

Published Jun 30, 2022

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.