This season, the Orlando Magic played extremely well. They managed to get a playoff spot but fell in a game seven to the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, it’s time for them to sit back and make some plans for free agency and trading to build their roster. They have a great core of young players, but a veteran presence could be what they need to break out of round 1.
The amount of success the Orlando Magic has built up in the past two seasons shows how a team can properly rebuild. Adding to this stacked roster is the best thing for the young team. The question is: who are they gunning for?
Brandon Ingram’s Time with New Orleans Pelicans
https://gty.im/1831290263
Brandon Ingram has been on the New Orleans Pelicans for the past five seasons. He’s been a solid acquisition for the team and was also a good piece for the Los Angeles Lakers. However, he has been on the injury list a good chunk of times. Only once in his career has he played over 70+ games in a regular season. The rest fall in low 60s to low 50s, which is an issue.
This problem is magnified by Zion Williamson, who is also injury prone. The Pelicans have two top stars on their team, and half the time, they sit on the bench. At this point, it’s time to cut one of these guys loose. The chance of Williamson being traded is small. It makes more sense to drop Ingram and build around a younger star.
Orlando Magic in Hot Pursuit of Ingram
https://gty.im/1831290331
With a great season behind them, it’s time for the Magic to expand and add more firing power to their roster. Right now, the small forward position is lacking for the team outside of Franz Wagner. Also, a good portion of the bench is lackluster and isn’t seen contributing much at all.
As seen in this year’s playoffs, Orlando needs a scoring boost. Oftentimes, this only comes from power forward Paolo Banchero. Wagner is also a capable scorer, but this is about as far as it goes for this team. Jalen Suggs has his moments, but there are too many games where he isn’t hitting about 10 points. A guy like Ingram can be more consistent as long as he isn’t sitting injured.
Players That Could be Involved in the Trade
https://gty.im/2061704871
Ingram isn’t going to be an easy player to get. For New Orleans to bite at an offer, it is going to have to be mutually beneficial. This isn’t them trying to cut dead weight. This is an All-Star player who has proven he can push a team into the playoffs. The Magic will need to make this trade worth it. The Pelicans won’t separate Ingram and Williamson for nothing.
As of right now, it seems like Jalen Suggs could end up on the trade block as a way to grab Ingram. Wagner could also be enticing for the Pelicans. However, he and Banchero have been working very well together. Remember, the Magic are trying to build, not destroy, the whole operation. Giving up Suggs, two alright bench players, and some draft picks might have to be their move.
Though I believe the Magic should try and get themselves another big star, it could also be detrimental to what they’ve created. This organization has risen from the ashes with the help of Banchero and his fellow starting five. Perhaps they deserve one more run to see if they can win a championship before picking apart some of their roster.
About the Author
Elizabeth is an avid watcher of all things sports. However, the Boston sports teams will always be her number one. Her favorite sport to watch is basketball, but she also enjoys professional wrestling, soccer, and baseball. You can find her on X @edellapiana1 to check out more content.
Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy Sports.
