The Orlando Magic are currently a hot team with a 10-5 record. But can they sustain their success? Their defensive play is a huge factor why they’re currently rolling but on offense they can still get a bit stagnant. In comes Zach Lavine, I will talk about the pros and cons of a potential trade to the Magic.
Firstly the pros, Zach immediately makes Orlando a more threatening offense and his defensive shortcomings could be hidden on this team (depending on what they give up for him, but I’ll get into that later). Zach is a much needed shooter and floor spacer this team needs, and he has genuine take over ability. His fit with Paolo and Franz is an interesting one, and it comes with good and bad. The good being that in theory Paolo and Franz should become more effective on offense (even more than they are) with the improved spacing. And the bad?
Well now let’s shift to the cons, as it pertains to Zach fit with Orlando’s duo, this move could also take the ball out of Franz and Paolo’s hand. Personally I think Fultz being out and the ball being in their hands… is a huge reason for Magic’s success and is good for the young duo’s development. And it’s not like Zach needs the ball to be effective, but decision making and shot selection is a real flaw in Lavine’s game. It could hold Paolo and Franz’s back or Orlando could live with it, depends on how bad you think this part of Zach’s game actually is.
Now what would a package look like for Lavine, well an important factor here is defense. It would be in Orlando’s best interest to keep their defense intact in a potential Lavine trade. So of course Suggs, Black would be untouchable. Goga, Harris and Isaac much less so, but still not ideal as they are huge for the Magic’s defense currently. Obviously a package centered around picks would be the move for Orlando here, similar to the Mitchell to Cavs trade. Because while Orlando is a team on the rise, a collapse and early pick is always a possibility with a young team. I have Fultz, one of Goga/Harris/Isaac, and 2 1st going to the Bulls. Chuma Okeke or another bench player also involved for salary matching purposes.
I honestly figured a package for LaVine would be something like Suggs, JI and Harris. Would Fultz have any value?
Also something to consider - after the travesty that was the Vooch trade, would Chicago want to deal with the Magic again?
Yeah that would be an awful trade
They gut their defensive identity for Lavine? Yeah, I’d pass.
Fuck no
No, because of fantasy reasons. I have both Franz and Paolo.
if they can get him for scraps sure otherwise no
Zach lavine is a scorer those are easy to buy. For the price of him since he can’t do much else on the court that well it’s not worth it no team needs him. I struggle to see a fit for him
They should roll with their guys this year. Maybe a move for a good value role player at the deadline
But Orlando dont need to be making a splash / roll of the dice on Lavines supermax
We have an All Defensive player in Suggs starting at SG. I would only trade for Lavine if it was for guys at the end of our bench and draft picks. Maybe like Jett, Chuma, and a couple of firsts. We’re also playing a lot better without Fultz so throw him in for the money to work. We are rolling right now and a big part of our success is team chemistry. Adding a new face who’s known to be ball dominant is a big risk.
Magic is a very “team ball” focused team. I don’t know if Lavine fits very well with this group.
No
No. The Magic’s FGAs are spread out across the roster and play team ball. It would just take away from Franz and Paolo’s attempts/development. I’d rather take some Ls in the short term.
Take him to Detroit!!!
There are not many teams where trading for a not quite good enough second banana is going to make them better.
Who should trade for Lavine?
Lakers. Lebron needs more help ……
A team trying to tank
He’s an above average scorer on a terrible contract relative to his production but isn’t a malcontent; the perfect tank commander combo
Magic will aim higher than LaVine if they make a deal like that to cash their chips in and go all-in.
Can I ask magic fans why it is a no? I got no dog in the race but he seems like a great addition for spacing and offence in general. Is it the package needed to trade for lavine? Is it development of prospects that he could interfere with? Is it the his contract could fuck up your caps space? I just asking cause he would probably be until the end of his contract way better the even the realistic best cases for your guards, and after this contract you could move off of him if he is washed from injuries.
it’s nuts a question providing context is downvoted