4 trade directions Orlando Magic can go on Draft Night
4 Directions the Orlando Magic can go with trades on draft night
Bench Shooting Targets
Chicago Bulls
Here, the Orlando Magic would be trading away their best three-point shooter in Gary Harris and bringing in 21-year-old Patrick Williams. That might help balance the roster some while giving the Magic a promising young shooter and versatile defender off the bench.
Williams had a great year in Chicago playing all 82 games and shooting 41.5 percent from three.
On the outside it does not look like the Chicago Bulls do this deal. But they would be receiving their own lottery pick that they traded away two years ago. The Bulls would give themselves a first-round pick this year and in 2025 while giving up only one pick in 2024.
That is certainly a lot though. Giving up a starter and a first-round pick in a solid draft — the 2024 Draft class is not expected to be good — is probably a price too high. It shows how difficult it can be to execute trades.
It is easy to see why the Bulls would do this trade as they aim to compete in the Eastern Conference with their veteran roster.
The Magic only make this move if they feel they can acquire a starting shooting guard at the No. 6 overall pick, in free agency or if they believe Jalen Suggs or Cole Anthony are ready for a larger role. A deal like this would hint that there are bigger moves the Magic are making room for.
Williams would be one of Orlando’s best bench players and can continue to grow with the young roster toward contention.
Having depth at either forward spot for the Magic will be a priority, as their former backup power forward Moe Wagner is an unrestricted free agent and Jonathan Isaac is unreliable from a health standpoint.
That might be a reason not to give up a pick in this draft even if Williams is a steadier hand.
The incumbent backup small forward, Caleb Houstan, showed flashes last season but competition certainly will not hurt.
The Magic would be banking on the fact that the Bulls will give them another high draft pick next year. If Orlando does not have any prospects they like at No. 11 overall, they can wait until next year to retry their lottery luck.
Cleveland Cavaliers
This deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers is small but will add a capable shooter to the Orlando Magic bench. Cedi Osman is a 28-year-old veteran who can play small forward and possibly power forward in smaller lineups at 6-foot-7.
He shot 37.2 percent from three last year on 4.1 threes per game. That would make him the second-best shooter in the rotation behind Gary Harris.
Cedi Osman would battle with Caleb Houstan for rotation minutes, but having a plethora of floor-spacers will only benefit the Magic heading into next season.
Orlando would be trading the 36th pick for a second-round selection in two years and would be willing to move on from this pick if they determine they only want to bring in two rookies at the 6th and 11th overall selections.
Okeke has been with the Magic long enough for the front office to fully assess his longevity with the team. It seems like it is time to move on as he is on the outside of the rotation looking in.
Cleveland would be acquiring a cheaper and younger player who can defend the wing and compete for minutes.