The Magic Insider

Magic Blockbuster Trade Idea Unexpectedly Sends 2-Time NBA Champion To Orlando

Anthony Pasciolla|
Feb 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) and forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrate after a basket against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Feb 27, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) and forward Franz Wagner (22) celebrate after a basket against the Golden State Warriors in the second quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner established themselves as one of the NBA's best forward tandems in 2025.

This is why almost every trade rumor involving the Magic pitches a guard or big man coming to Orlando, specifically an offensive-minded one. The Magic's defense was phenomenal in the regular season, but only Banchero and Wagner found substantial success on offense.

Magic Trade Idea Sends Kevin Durant to Orlando

The first major issue with this scenario is the Suns can find much better return packages for the 15-time All-Star. Isaac is a solid contributor mainly included for salary matching purposes, Anthony is a tenacious guard yet to show serious flashes, and the handful of picks Orlando would send don't have much upside.

The heavily rumored suitors for Durant—the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets—could offer substantially better offers.

The first major issue with this scenario is the Suns can find much better return packages for the 15-time All-Star. Isaac is a solid contributor mainly included for salary matching purposes, Anthony is a tenacious guard yet to show serious flashes, and the handful of picks Orlando would send don't have much upside. The heavily rumored suitors for Durant—the Miami Heat, Minnesota Timberwolves, and Houston Rockets—could offer substantially better offers.

The next question is why would the Magic add yet another standout forward to their rotation? Unless Magic coach Jamahl Mosley plans to start Banchero, Wagner, or Durant at center, it's impossible to play all three at once.

Banchero and Wagner don't possess the three-point shooting prowess to productively perform at shooting guard. Although Durant does, it's hard to imagine him keeping up with smaller guards on the defensive end at 36 years old.

The only logical route for Durant landing in Orlando is if the Magic's front office immediately traded Wagner for a complement piece in the backcourt or frontcourt.

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Anthony Pasciolla
ANTHONY PASCIOLLA

Anthony Pasciolla is a sports journalist who began covering the NBA in June 2023. A Philadelphia native, Anthony has experience covering the Philadelphia 76ers as a credentialed reporter. He has written for Miami Heat, Back In The Day Hoops, Kansas State Wildcats, and Illinois Fighting Illini on Sports Illustrated. His work also includes 76ers coverage for The Sporting News and previous stories for Athlon Sports and BasketballNews. When he’s not covering the NBA, you can find him spending time with friends and family or diving into the world of fantasy football. Follow him on X @AnthonyPasci or reach him via email at ampasciolla@gmail.com

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