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.
There is a real case that Buddy Hield is the 2nd-best 3-point shooter in the NBA.
— Sam Vecenie (@Sam_Vecenie) September 21, 2023
Outside of Steph, there are only 12 times in history where a player has averaged 40% from 3 on at least 8 3PA/G for a season.
Buddy has AVERAGED 40.3% from 3 on 8.3 3PA/G OVER THE LAST SIX SEASONS
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?
Grade the Trade: Should the Orlando Magic chase Buddy Hield?
Laying out a mock trade that sends Buddy Hield to the Orlando Magic
The Indiana Pacers have Tyrese Haliburton and are hoping to help him develop into a superstar. He made his first All-Star appearance in 2023, and the 23-year-old is just getting started.
Indiana will want some rotation help in return for Hield as the team has its own postseason ambitions after just missing out on the Play-In Tournament last year. The Magic have a glut of guards and could look to clear it by upgrading.
Jack Simone of 8 Points, 9 Seconds laid out a possible Buddy Hield trade from the Pacers perspective that looks like this.
Cole Anthony and Gary Harris could immediately slot into the Pacers’ rotation. Anthony is a potential sixth man whose efficiency improved last season. Harris has struggled to stay healthy in recent years but is a plus-shooter when on the floor.
The Pacers add some depth and get a first-round pick. There were no specifics on what selection, but it would likely be lottery-protected or the Denver Nuggets’ 2025 first-round selection that the Orlando Magic own that is top-20 protected.
It is a strong haul for Buddy Hield’s expiring contract. The 6-foot-4 guard needs to be locked up long-term or is strictly a rental for the coming season. It only makes sense for the Magic if he is a piece of their future. Should they be willing to give up three assets and pay Hield?
Grade the Trade: Should the Orlando Magic chase Buddy Hield?
Should the Orlando Magic make this trade?
Buddy Hield solves the Orlando Magic’s biggest weakness. He will shoot 40 percent from 3-point range on massive volume and average at least 15 points per game. There would be defensive concerns and rotation questions, but if Orlando wants shooting, Hield is one of the best in the world.
Cole Anthony’s improvements in year three are intriguing. But the Magic just drafted Anthony Black, who has more size and defensive upside. Anthony too will be a restricted free agent this offseason and could be asking for a big price tag — although certainly lower than what Hield is seeking.
Coach Jamahl Mosley cannot play Markelle Fultz, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony and Anthony Black in the nightly rotation. Trading a guard for a wing could help the Magic solve those issues.
Gary Harris is making $13 million on an expiring contract and is likely entering his final season with the Magic because of this backcourt glut. There should be zero issues with trading him to upgrade to Hield.
Orlando has all of their own draft picks plus two additional first-rounders, so they have capital to move. This deal is far from perfect, though.
Grade: C-
Buddy Hield is finishing a four-year, $94-million contract and is already 30 years old. He does not exactly fit the Magic’s timeline and NBA salaries are only going up. The Magic may be able to convince him to take $20 million per season, but even that is a massive number to have on the books as they need to begin paying their young core.
The Magic should avoid making this trade unless they believe they are a playoff team in 2024. They need shooting but should focus on finding someone who better fits their timeline.