In trade rumors, Magic could add more star power to Bulls’ $275M duo

The Orlando Magic started the season 9-6 and are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference standings. This was despite losing their star player Paolo Banchero to a right oblique tear earlier in the season.

Despite Banchero being out, Orlando found ways to win games with their elite defensive play. Led by Defensive Player of the Year candidate Jalen Suggs, the Magic currently have the best defense in the NBA, allowing just 102.2 points per game to opposing teams.

While their defense has been outstanding, their offense has been poor since Banchero’s fall. They are scoring just 106.9 points per game, which is the third-worst team in the NBA behind the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans.

Orlando has struggled offensively and relied on defense to win games, but that could change if they can negotiate a blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bulls for Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic. Both Lavine and Vucevic have been on the trading block since the offseason as Chicago looks to begin a rebuild and are expected to be traded before the February deadline.

In a possible trade, the Magic could send Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, Gary Harris and draft picks to Chicago in exchange for Lavine and Vucevic. This trade couldn’t happen until Jan. 6 due to Isaac’s recently signed restriction, but it would be perfect timing for Orlando since Banchero needs to be back on the field by then.

Accordingly Elaine Blum’s article on FanSidedThe Magic are likely to move on from Anthony and Howard before the trade deadline because they lack playing time in Orlando.

Once Orlando traded them to Chicago, they would both see bigger roles and become key pieces of the Bulls’ rebuild. For the Magic, adding a great scorer in Lavine would help them a lot offensively. Despite his injury history, Lavine started the season strong and is currently averaging 21.6 points per game while shooting 50.5% from the field and 42.0% from 3-point range.

Vucevic will also add another great striker and player to the team that needs it badly. The former Magic center averaged 20.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game while shooting 59.4% from the field and 48.4% from three in 15 games.

While this trade doesn’t make the Magic the best team in the East, it solves their offensive problems. With its improved offense along with its elite defense, Orlando could be a sneaky team to represent the East in the NBA Finals.

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