Los Angeles Lakers fans may see former first-round draft pick Moritz Wagner get his team option declined by the Magic after they drafted Noah Penda in the second round. The versatile big man is currently part of a deep Orlando roster with financial concerns.
Wagner has an $11 million team option, and the Magic are just $4 million under the first apron with only 12 players under contract. Letting the 6'11 big man go would be a cost-saving measure. Magic star Franz Wagner may want the franchise to keep his brother around, but Orlando has significant depth in the frontcourt and the trade for Desmond Bane may force the Magic into more small-ball looks.
Moe Wagner was [selected 25th overall by the Lakers](https://lakeshowlife.com/2020/03/28/los-angeles-lakers-3-players-drafted-moritz-wagner/) in 2018. He last just one forgettable season before being sent to the Wizards in the Anthony Davis trade. He has since become a steady backup big man, but the Magic are not known for spending and got significantly more expensive.
Moe Wagner’s days with the Magic may be numbered
------------------------------------------------
Penda gives them a young replacement on a bargain contract. He averaged 10.2 points, 5.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.9 blocks in 27.3 minutes per game playing professionally in France this season. The 20-year-old averaged 1.0 3-pointer made each night and has immense upside.
Orlando has several options at the five. Wendell Carter Jr. is locked in as the starter, and Goga Bitadze is a solid backup who makes $2.6 million less than Wagner. Do not be surprised to see the Magic decline that option and make the 28-year-old big man an unrestricted free agent.
Paolo Banchero will play massive minutes at the four with Franz Wagner eating up more. There isn't room for everyone to get run, and Moe Wagner may be the odd man out.
The Lakers may look to bring Wagner back if that happens. LA [desperately needs a center](https://lakeshowlife.com/lakers-path-trading-daniel-gafford-became-painfully-clear) and would love to have a stretch five option capable of popping off Luka Doncic’s pick-and-roll game. Expect the purple and gold to add multiple big men this offseason, and Wagner would quickly become an interesting option if available.
The Los Angeles Lakers will be active and aggressive this offseason. They want to build a title contender around Luka Doncic and know they need multiple pieces to make that a reality. LA will upgrade at center, and Moritz Wagner may soon be an option. He is clearly on thin ice in Orlando.