The Orlando Magic are now a perennial playoff contender.
They’re led by an all-around forward in Paolo Banchero, who has become their offensive hub. The talent gap between he and second-in-command Franz Wagner isn’t particularly large. They have several upper-echelon defenders in the backcourt (namely Jalen Suggs, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and Anthony Black), which is a rarity in today’s league. Their center rotation doesn’t have any All-Stars, just gritty grinders with underrated skill.
On top of that, Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley has proven himself to be elite. He’s not just doing it with Xs and Os or player development. He’s instilling confidence in his players; a genuine belief that they can compete with anyone. With their defensive foundation alone, they’re often able to stick with more talented teams.
What Orlando doesn’t have is a reliable go-to scorer in the backcourt. Yet, as time goes on, it’s become obvious that for the Magic to be hitting on all cylinders, that’s exactly what they need. So, instead of trying to get by with a V4 engine, they should make a trade that at least makes them a V6.
Magic Need To Trade For Jazz’s Collin Sexton
While other teams focus on Miami Heat forward Jimmy Butler, Orlando can turn their attention to other targets. They could use a more reliable catch-and-shoot option in the frontcourt given Wagner, Tristan Da Silva and Jonathan Isaac‘s inaccuracy. However, upgrading their backcourt is more important because when the Magic rolls out their top five-man unit, Banchero and Wagner will both be slotted at forward. Consequently, even Brooklyn Nets sharpshooter Cam Johnson would be a sixth man for them, at best.
Thus, the top trade target for Orlando is Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton. A former lottery pick who’s been thought to be available since last season, Sexton is a high-octane offensive option averaging 18.3 points in 28.9 minutes per game. He’s also highly efficient, posting .480-.416-.901 shooting splits in 2024-25.
Jazz CG Collin Sexton averaged 23.5 PPG and 4 APG on 59.4% FG and 45.5 3P% in his last two games while facing off against title contenders (Nuggets on 12/30, Knicks on 1/1)
(Will Hardy has drawn up some nice plays for him too)
Great way to close 2024 and open 2025 pic.twitter.com/hOgsZPPcsZ
— ℚ (@qshironalberti3) January 2, 2025
Capable of scoring on-ball or off-ball at all three levels, he’s an ideal fit for a team who can’t count on their current backcourt at the offensive end.
Making It Easier
A big and athletic guard at 6-foot-5, Suggs has flashed real upside as a scorer. Yet, while he’s averaging a career-high 16.4 points per game, his shot-making has been inconsistent. To that point, he’s shooting a mediocre 41.0 percent from the field (31.2 percent from three-point range).
Black has even better length than Suggs at 6-foot-7. This season, he’s been more aggressive in looking for his shot, and craftier too. With that said, he’s still only averaging 9.2 points per game. He’s been even less efficient than Suggs, converting 40.7 percent of his field goal attempts and 24.5 percent of his threes.
Then there’s Cole Anthony, a scoring-minded guard averaging 18.6 points per 36 minutes. However, he’s also inefficient. More of a sixth or seventh man than starter, he’s made just 40.5 percent of his field goals and 30.3 percent of his long-distance attempts.
On the one hand, this adds to the pressure that Banchero and Wagner face. Because they’re the only efficient volume scorers on the roster, their margin for error is low. In the big picture view, the lack of scoring they find outside of themselves is a major factor in the Magic ranking 30th in points per game (103.9) and 29th in offensive rating (107.9).
Trading for Sexton would make all of their jobs a lot easier.
Who Starts?
There will be a question of who should start, given the team’s investment in Suggs and Caldwell-Pope.
If Mosley is coaching based on merit and fit rather than names though, the Young Bull is the obvious answer. Notably, he can play at either guard spot. If playing alongside Suggs, the Magic will have two athletic scorers that can share ball-handling duties. Sexton’s also been on fire beyond the arc, while Caldwell-Pope –regarded as a three-point specialist –have made just 31.8 percent of his threes.
