In This Story
Orlando Magic
Sep 9, 2025 4:45 PM EDT
The Orlando Magic were the surprise team in the Eastern Conference during the 2023-24 season as they finished fifth in the standings and made the playoffs, though they took a step back last season.
Last season, Orlando finished seventh in the East with a 41-41 record, mainly due to their star duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner missing time due to injuries.
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) reacts with forward Franz Wagner (22). — Source: Rob Gray-Imagn Images
Now the Magic will look to bounce back this season with Banchero and Wagner leading the way and they also acquired Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies this offseason to add another key player to their lineup.
With their new core, the Magic are hoping to take advantage of a weakened East this season, though they could elect to make more moves to better their roster and improve their title odds.
Magic Could Target Trae Young
One player who could be on the move this season is Atlanta Hawks star Trae Young as the Hawks have yet to offer him a contract decision despite him having a team option after this season.
Trae Young, Atlanta Hawks
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young is guarded by Orlando Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. — Source: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Because of this, many around the NBA have begun to question Young’s future in Atlanta which could mean the Hawks could look to move him this season.
For the Magic, they have been in desperate need of an elite 3-point shooter and playmaker at the point guard position and they could be a potential landing spot for Young if he becomes available.
Mock Trade Sends Trae Young to Magic
Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks guard Trae Young — Source: Kyle Ross-Imagn Images
In a trade, the Magic could send a package of Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Jett Howard and multiple first-round picks to the Hawks in exchange for Young.
Of course, moving on from Suggs, who is arguably the Magic’s best defender, along with two young players in Black and Howard would be a difficult decision for Orlando to make, though Young could help them compete for a title this season.
Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs — Source: Nathan Ray
The 26-year-old guard is coming off a season in which he averaged 24.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, 11.6 assists and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 41.1% from the field and 34.0% from three.
Young would be able to take command of Orlando’s offense due to his elite playmaking skills, allowing both Banchero and Wagner to have more of a scoring role than trying to run the offense themselves, which could open up scoring opportunities for both players.
Trae Young — Source: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
The star guard would also become Orlando’s top 3-point shooting option, which they desperately need alongside their young core.
Of course, Young should draw interest from many teams around the NBA if he becomes available, but the Magic may be willing to go all-in on a trade for him to compete for a championship this season.
About the author
Trending News Writer, Athlon Sports
Nathaniel Holloway is a sports writer specializing in the NBA, NFL and MLB at Athlon Sports. He specializes in trending news stories, breaking news, trade rumors and more.