3 possible trade targets to accelerate the Orlando Magic’s rebuild

3 players to speed up the Orlando Magic’s rebuild

Collin Sexton

When Collin Sexton was ruled out for the season in November following knee surgery, it was viewed as a massive blow to the Cleveland Cavaliers’ progression. But the team has since thrived, currently sitting fourth in the Eastern Conference with a 17-12 record.

It has led to questions over whether Sexton will be a big part of the Cavs’ future, or whether the team should cash in on his value and build more around Darius Garland and Evan Mobley.

Sexton has drawn criticism during his first three seasons in the NBA for his lack of defense and ability to create for the rest of his teammates. But his scoring talents cannot be ignored.

He averaged 24.3 points per game last season at the age of just 22 while shooting 37.1-percent from 3-point range. There are very few who can stop Sexton when he is at his peak due to his speed and explosiveness in getting to the basket and finishing.

Cole Anthony’s emergence as a scorer has helped, but the Magic still lack anyone that can consistently score 20-plus points per game night in and night out.

Sexton’s scoring ability would provide a considerable boost to an offense which, until there are considerable improvements by the team’s younger players, lacks reliable and multi-level scoring.

But Sexton has long been reported to be the subject of various trade discussions and is rumored to have attracted interest from across the league. Plenty of teams likely to be interested in Sexton have a lot more to offer than the Magic do.

At present, unless Orlando wants to give up its most promising rookies or high draft compensation — neither of which makes a lot of sense right now — Sexton is probably a step too far at this stage.

Orlando is also plenty full of point guards and small shooting guards with Cole Anthony, Markelle Fultz and Jalen Suggs occupying the position. Acquiring a player like Sexton would seemingly mean the Magic are not invested in some of their guards.

Especially since Sexton is set to become a restricted free agent this offseason. Orlando would be paying a premium for his restricted free agent rights and would almost have to re-sign him if this was their deal.

And that would almost require they sign him to a long-term deal.

Sexton is a player which makes a lot of sense for the team, but it really would require going all-in on bringing him to Orlando by sacrificing significant aspects of the front office’s future plans.

Sexton might increase the overall talent level of the roster. But it would be a major financial commitment to do so.