The Magic Insider

Blockbuster Trade Proposal For All-Star Makes Orlando Magic Title Contenders

Don Strouble|
Dec 29, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) and forward Paolo Banchero (5) celebrate their 117-108 win against the New York Knicks at KIA Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Dec 29, 2023; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (22) and forward Paolo Banchero (5) celebrate their 117-108 win against the New York Knicks at KIA Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters-Imagn Images

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Orlando Magic

The Orlando Magic are fringe contenders in a wide-open NBA landscape. The franchise has budding stars in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, yet a deep playoff run is alluding. The front office enters an offseason ranking among the craziest in history with a chance to significantly improve the roster and enter title conversations. A recurring name for Orlando to pursue is Cleveland Cavaliers All-Star point guard Darius Garland.

After a disappointing second-round exit followed a 64-win season, reports of Cleveland's core four splitting up are gaining traction.

According to Cleveland.com, Garland is no longer an untouchable piece of the roster. If the Cavs' front office decides to move him, Orlando may enter trade negotiations with Jalen Suggs to offer in the deal.

Garland and Suggs have been staples of their respective teams for years. However, neither organization will remain complacent. According to Fansided, the addition of Garland transforms the Magic into a championship-caliber roster.

"At least for now, the Magic have been a dark horse, pesky threat in the Eastern Conference. Though respected, I'm not sure anyone believed or currently believes that this team has enough talent, with how their roster is currently built, to make a run to the NBA Finals. However, the acquisition of Garland would go a long way in changing the narrative around this team," it wrote.

After a brutal 2023 campaign marred by injuries and personal struggles, Garland bounced back in a big way last season. Averaging 20.6 points and 6.7 assists, he received a second All-Star nod. However, a toe sprain left Garland hobbled and contributed to the Cavs' early postseason exit.

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Don Strouble
DON STROUBLE

Don Strouble is a sports journalist who covers UCF athletics and the Orlando Magic. Strouble is a contributing member of the Black and Gold Banneret, the home for UCF athletics on SB Nation, as well as Fans First Sports Network. He hails from Northeast Ohio, where his love for Cleveland’s teams served as inspiration to work in the world of sports media.

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