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5 Questions for the Second Quarter of the Orlando Magic’s Season

By Isaac Ryu

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 24: Mo Bamba #5 of the Orlando Magic in action against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 24, 2021 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) /

5 questions for the Orlando Magic’s second quarter

Should the Orlando Magic be active at the Trade Deadline?

The short answer is no. The return for any of the Orlando Magic’s tradable players would not be particularly worth it in the long run.

Robin Lopez, Gary Harris and Terrence Ross could raise a few eyebrows closer to the deadline for teams in need of some veteran help. But for now, it seems like the market is not focused on them.

The only other player who might be on the table is Mo Bamba, who did not get a contract extension in the offseason and may not be a player the Magic are willing to bring back in restricted free agency. It is not exactly clear what the team’s plans are for Bamba. The trade deadline may be a small clue on the team’s intentions with him.

The safe bet is the Magic do not look to move any of their young players. This includes their 2022 first-round draft pick, which could land them Chet Holmgren or Paolo Banchero. Orlando will likely continue to use this season to evaluate young talent and leave any heavy lifting in shaping the roster for the offseason.

Perhaps if R.J. Hampton or Mo Bamba start to show enough where teams are willing to call, then the Magic could consider listening to deals.

Orlando is more likely to use its empty cap space and expiring contracts as a third team in a bigger trade. With the Indiana Pacers pondering a restart and the potential for Ben Simmons or Damian Lillard to change teams increasing, the Orlando Magic could be a third-team facilitator at the deadline.

As of now, the Magic have options, something they never really had before and something they shouldn’t take for granted heading into a decent draft class.