Orlando Magic Daily 2023 Mock Draft 2.7: Imagining trade possibilities
Orlando Magic Daily 2023 NBA Mock Draft 2.7
Trade-Down Options
Taylor Hendricks. 7. player. 100. . PF. Indiana Pacers
Trade Chance: Framework exists, but unlikely
So who are the teams that might want to trade up to get the No. 6 pick? Who needs a player like Cam Whitmore or Ausar Thompson? The players directly below the Orlando Magic seem like better fits for a player with that star potential. And the Magic should be looking to mine some potential and talent by trading down so they can shore up their overall depth.
There is a framework for the Indiana Pacers to make a deal here.
They could offer Buddy Hield in a swap for Jonathan Isaac, giving the Magic the volume shooter they need and Bird Rights to keep him after his contract expires at the end of the season. Or they could think smaller and look to shore up depth by acquiring Jalen Smith or Isaiah Jackson with some future draft capital to make up the difference.
The question here is the same question the Orlando Magic would have if they tried to trade with the Detroit Pistons. How much is too much to move up just one pick? That is why a trade with Indiana feels unlikely, even if there are a few iterations that could make sense for both teams.
142. . PG. Washington Wizards. Anthony Black. 8. player
This is the kind of trade that I am actually kind of into when it comes to this year’s NBA Draft. Going out and moving down to still get a player like Anthony Black — a great defender and a 6-foot-7 point guard who still has to improve as a shooter — and adding a backup center (a critical need for the Orlando Magic this offseason) would be a huge gain.
Even though Gafford has three years left on his deal (starting at $12.4 million), he is a solid backup center option who will be able to hold his own in his minutes when he has to start or when he comes off the bench. He is exactly what the Magic probably are looking for from the backup center role — even if the contract looks like an overpay.
The Washington Wizards are a team in flux right now.
New management seems like they are pointing toward a full rebuild. They have player options for Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma to deal with. This is a team in need of assets if they are going to restart themselves. A trade up in the draft that comes at a minimal cost to them feels like a win for them.
There is very much a framework for a deal here. And I would not be surprised if this is a team the Magic are talking with ahead of the draft.