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Orlando Magic Daily 2023 Mock Draft 2.7: Imagining trade possibilities

By Philip Rossman-Reich

Dec 9, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; City Reapers guard Amen Thompson (1) shown during the game against the Cold Hearts at Overtime Elite. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 9, 2022; Atlanta, GA, USA; City Reapers guard Amen Thompson (1) shown during the game against the Cold Hearts at Overtime Elite. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cam Whitmore, Villanova Wildcats
CINCINNATI, OHIO – FEBRUARY 21: Cam Whitmore #22 of the Villanova Wildcats drives to the basket during a college basketball game against the Villanova Wildcats at the Cintas Center on February 21, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

Orlando Magic Daily 2023 NBA Mock Draft 2.7

In the Vicinity

Ausar Thompson. 5. player. 64. . G/F. Detroit Pistons

Trade Chance: There is something there

This is a variation of a deal that was pitched by Ku Kahil of Locked On Pistons that originally included Marvin Bagley III (I countered with a version of this deal that removed Jonathan Isaac and added in Chuma Okeke and Bol Bol for Bagley).

The point of those discussions is that a deal with the Detroit Pistons does make a certain amount of sense. There is a framework for a deal and a couple of variations to make something work.

Again, the question then becomes who do the Magic want to target? Is this a deal they only do to ensure they get Amen or Ausar Thompson, whichever one is left? Is moving up one spot worth both first-round picks? That would be a ton of belief in whoever they are drafting. But there is no shame in that if that is the player the Magic want to draft.

There is a framework for a deal here. And a framework to help the Magic get better in the short-term — whether that is giving Marvin Bagley III another chance or going after a veteran shooter like Bojan Bogdanovic (although he does not seem like a long-term fit considering his physical profile).

I do not think a trade with the Pistons is likely. But it is not impossible.

. G/F. Orlando Magic. Cam Whitmore. 6. player. 38

Of course, this is the part where I put a pin in all those trade up discussions and say the Orlando Magic could be — and perhaps should be — fairly satisfied with what their options are at No. 6.

If the goal of this draft is to take a big swing, then maybe it is important to move up and make sure the team gets that player — whether that is Scoot Henderson or Amen Thompson. Maybe it is important to put in the assets and just do it to set up the team’s free agency too — the Magic do not need to get younger.

Then again, maybe the team would be perfectly happy taking whatever is left to them between Ausar Thompson and Cam Whitmore. Both have star potential with Thompson as a dynamic two-way player and athlete and Whitmore a more traditional scorer who has shown potential as a catch-and-shoot 3-point shooter.

Sometimes the simple answer is the correct answer and all these complicated trade scenarios are just idle thinking. The Magic should still get a solid player at No. 6. The question is whether that is an option they want or are comfortable with.

To me, there is a better chance the Magic are uncomfortable with what is left to them at six. There is better opportunity to trade down and entice teams to trade up for a Whitmore or Thompson while still netting a solid player later in the draft.