Magic Trade 'Wish List': Anfernee Simons, 2 Others
The Orlando Magic have proven that the team is in good hands for the future thanks to the young talent in the frontcourt. Headlined by forward Paolo Banchero as he heads into his second season, an era potentially full of newfound success for the team is finally upon Orlando.
However, to maximize on the talents of Banchero, Franz Wagner and Wendell Carter Jr., the Magic will need to add another elite face to the roster, particularity in the backcourt. Among its guards, Orlando is littered with youth, especially with the arrival of No. 6 overall pick Anthony Black. However, there's a piece missing that could help put the team back into the postseason.
Bleacher Report recently revealed its list of the top three players that could be on each team's wish list, and had some interesting names for the Magic. B/R thinks that Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons, Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton and Los Angeles Lakers guard D'Angelo Russell are three names that could be on an ideal Orlando wish list.
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"Simons would top the wish list as an electric scorer with an ignitable perimeter shot and dunk-contest hops," B/R writes. "Sexton could blossom alongside Black, since their strengths could cancel out the other's weaknesses. Russell is a touch older than Orlando's ideal addition, but his shot-making and creation would take a lot of heat off Banchero, Wagner and Black."
While both Sexton and Russell are interesting names to consider, the focus ultimately falls on Simons, who is budding with All-Star potential. He's coming off a season that saw him average 21.1 points, 2.6 rebounds and 4.1 assists in 62 starts for Portland.
He's still young and yet to truly emerge from his shell, making a trade scenario that involves him and the Magic an interesting one. However, Orlando would have to provide a significant haul in return considering the Blazers continue to deal with the trade rumors surrounding Damian Lillard after his request to be dealt.
