Magic Starting 5: Bulls SG Zach LaVine Trade Rumors Swirling

1. LAVINE TRADE RUMORS INTENSIFY

“Wishful executives will keep their eyes peeled on Portland and Damian Lillard, but it’s the Chicago Bulls who have started contacting teams, quietly gauging the trade interest in Zach LaVine, league sources told Yahoo Sports,” Yahoo! Sports writes. “It remains to be seen just how willing Chicago is to part ways with LaVine, or if it receives a commensurate offer for his services."

2. POWER RANKINGS

"The Orlando Magic have one of the game's most intriguing young cores, and that extends well beyond Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, who averaged 20.0 points, 6.9 rebounds and 3.7 assists," Bleacher Report writes. "Another 6'10" forward with some playmaking chops, Franz Wagner averaged 18.6 points and 3.5 assists. Wendell Carter Jr. has shown flashes of Al Horford-like versatility. Markelle Fultz is one of the best redemption stories in the league. And there still seems to be some untapped upside with Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs."

3. MICHAEL JORDAN SELLS HORNETS

Michael Jordan is selling part of his ownership of the Charlotte Hornets.

After 13 years of owning a stake in the Charlotte franchise -- a division rival of the Orlando Magic -- Jordan is transferring his ownership to Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall for $3 billion, per ESPN.

Jordan will remain a minority owner of the franchise.

4. JA SUSPENDED 25 GAMES

In a move that can have ramifications in the Southwest Division, the NBA announced Friday morning the suspension for Memphis Grizzlies' All-Star point guard Ja Morant.

According to ESPN, Morant has been suspended 25 games for conduct detrimental to the league. He will also have to complete a program that "directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”

5. DRAFT COUNTDOWN

The Orlando Magic is five days away from the 2023 NBA Draft, where the team will welcome the newest members of the franchise.

Coverage begins on June 22 at 8 p.m. on ESPN.

You can follow Jeremy Brener on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

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