Grade the trade: Orlando Magic add sharpshooter in mock Buddy Hield deal

The Orlando Magic are building a talented young roster.

They are hoping Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner blossom into stars this season as they exit their rebuild. Joe Ingles is the only player on their roster older than 30 years old, and the Magic think multiple players on their roster can shock the world in 2024.

But if Orlando wants to make the playoffs, their shooting must improve.

They finished 25th in 3-pointers made and 24th in 3-point percentage last season. The Magic added Joe Ingles and drafted Jett Howard to help solve the issue, but relying on a 36-year-old who is declining and a 20-year-old rookie could be problematic.

How does Orlando address this issue? They have a ton of young talent on their roster. Without playing time, their development could be stunted. Do the Magic try to accelerate their timeline by paying for one of the league’s best shooters who just hit the block?

With Buddy Hield seemingly entering the trade market, he seems like a perfect fit to help the Orlando Magic with their shooting struggles. But a deal is hard to make.

The Indiana Pacers attempted to extend Buddy Hield’s contract, but the two sides were far apart in the negotiations. With the 6-foot-4 wing set to become an unrestricted free agent in the summer of 2024, Indiana is exploring the trade market (subscription required).

Hield is a career 40.2 percent 3-point shooter and is unquestionably one of the best in the league right now.

Hield will want a fresh contract from whatever team acquires him, and the Pacers have zero interest in giving him away. Should the Magic pay the price to acquire Hield?

If they are set on addressing their shooting woes, there is no better available option. What would they have to give up?