Magic Starting 5: Damian Lillard Trade Rumors Heat Up
1. DAME DEAL "The Miami Heat has been the clear desired destination for Damian Lillard ever since he requested a trade back in July, but other teams, including the Orlando Magic, seem to be gaining traction in the discussions.
"According to Sportsnet, the Magic is being "heard" in the Lillard trade sweepstakes."
2. MOSLEY PRAISES KARL "He really invested in the players," Mosley said on the HoopsHype Podcast. "That’s what I think I took the most from him. It was always about investing in the guys. How do you get them better and help them reach their potential for whatever they’re trying to do and become great?"
3. PAOLO STEPPING UP "I watched him during a practice in Las Vegas and the way he carried himself and projected his voice in certain drills," Mosley said on the HoopsHype Podcast. "I think that’s going to go so far when he’s back with the Magic because it’s a level of leadership you’re asking him to step into. I think he recognizes and feels that. It was a great experience for him to be around that group of players and those coaches."
Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero defended by Chicago Bulls guard Zach LaVine.
Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
4. SHAQ'S LESSON LEARNED "I realized that in order to be the best, you have to beat the best," O'Neal said via The Houston Chronicle. "That year we faced off, and the best won out. It just made me a much stronger competitor."
5. WAGNER PIECES TO SUCCESS "Wagner, 22, is entering his third season with the Magic after being selected with the No. 8 overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft. In his first two seasons, Wagner has shown potential of being a high-quality player in the league, and there's hope that his trajectory will continue."
