NBA Draft: 3 Magic Scenarios, Including Trade Possibilities
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is in the next phase of its offseason after learning that the team would have the Nos. 6 and 11 picks in the NBA Draft.
The Magic has a couple options with the pair of picks, making Orlando one of the most intriguing teams going into the draft.
Here's three possible scenarios the Magic could look into ...
Keep the Picks, Take Best Players Available
This is the easiest route since it requires the Magic not to get involved in anything the team already isn't in. With two more lottery picks, Orlando can continue its trajectory towards becoming one of the most promising teams in the NBA.
There isn't a specific need for the Magic since the team has a lot of upside at each position, but Orlando could use some long-distance shooting. In The Athletic's latest mock draft, the Magic addressed that with UCF forward Taylor Hendricks at No. 6 and Kansas sharpshooter Gradey Dick at No. 11.
The downside is that there may not be enough minutes to spread around for both rookies with a number of other players on the roster needing playing time. That's why even though this is the path of least resistance, it's probably the least likely to happen.
Trade Up
If Orlando could package these two picks to move up in the draft and take one top player, the Magic could be well on its way to the playoffs this season.
An easy scenario looking at the teams ahead of the Magic is a trade with the Charlotte Hornets. Perhaps Orlando could deal Nos. 6, 11 and a future first-round pick to its division rival for No. 2, which could allow the Magic to draft point guard Scoot Henderson or small forward Brandon Miller, both of whom should be off the board before Orlando's first pick.
Trade Down or Out
The Magic wants to be in the playoffs next season, and in order to do that, some veteran leadership infused into the roster could be beneficial for Orlando.
For a team like the Toronto Raptors, who are slated to pick No. 13, trading veterans and starting fresh with a new coach is a likely solution. Toronto has a number of players that could be traded, like OG Anunoby or Pascal Siakam, that could intrigue the Magic into trading one or both of its picks.
Another team that could look to make a trade is the Chicago Bulls, who don't have a first-round pick because the Magic has theirs. Maybe the Bulls would be open for business to trade a player like DeMar DeRozan or Zach LaVine, and that could open up a ton of opportunities for the Magic.
You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.
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