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Ranking the Orlando Magic’s 5 most valuable trade assets for 2023/24

By Luke Duffy

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 01: Markelle Fultz #20, Gary Harris #14 and Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic speak against the Philadelphia 76ersat Wells Fargo Center on February 01, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - FEBRUARY 01: Markelle Fultz #20, Gary Harris #14 and Wendell Carter Jr. #34 of the Orlando Magic speak against the Philadelphia 76ersat Wells Fargo Center on February 01, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. 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 Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) /
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ORLANDO, FLORIDA – APRIL 04: Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball as Wendell Carter Jr. of the Orlando Magic. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
ORLANDO, FLORIDA – APRIL 04: Jarrett Allen of the Cleveland Cavaliers handles the ball as Wendell Carter Jr. of the Orlando Magic. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images) /

Ranking the Orlando Magic’s 5 most valuable trade assets for 2024.

3. Wendell Carter

It speaks volumes that Wendell Carter was recently spoken about as a player who the Phoenix Suns would trade DeAndre Ayton for on The Bill Simmons Podcast . . .  and it was agreed the Suns would end up with the better player when you factor in contract and fit.

That is just how quickly Carter has ascended through the ranks of centers in the league, and how much he would be in demand if the Magic decided to trade him.

Still only 24 years  old, Carter had the best defensive season of his young career while shooting a career high 35.6 percent from deep.

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Adding 15.2 points and 8.7 rebounds per game was valuable to the team, and in getting to the free-throw line 3.4 times per contest, he kept right in line with his career averages in this area. Carter Jr. is becoming a better shooting from outside the paint, yet is still driving as he has before.

Equally as important, the four-year, $50 million deal that Carter signed with the Magic is not only entering just its second year next season, but it is constructed in such a way that it decreases in value over time.

A deal like that is so enticing to other franchises, and it would make Carter extremely easy to move if the Magic decided to do so. The fact he is under contract for three more seasons beginning next year would also allow another team to confidently build him into their vision.

There is really nothing to not like about Carter Jr. as a player and as a trade asset. He is young, defends the indefensible, is definitely going to get better on both ends of the court and is barely noticeable when it comes to the cap sheet. A complete win for the front office and model asset to have.