Orlando Magic Connected To $100 Million Guard In Trade Rumor To Help Paolo Banchero

The Orlando Magic are looking for ways to improve this offseason, specifically on offense to add a creator alongside Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

NBA insider Marc Stein is reporting the Magic are interested in acquiring Portland Trail Blazers point guard Anfernee Simons in a trade.

"As a new offseason beckons, another Trail Blazer has been increasingly projected as an Orlando target: Lillard's former Blazers backcourt mate Anfernee Simons. The 25-year-old is an Orlando native who would certainly blend in nicely from a timeline perspective alongside Banchero (22) and Wagner (23)," Stein wrote.

"You'll recall that Simons was one of four Blazers we mentioned in a recent around-the-league notebook — alongside Robert Williams III, Deandre Ayton and Matisse Thybulle — because he is routinely pointed to by rival teams as a potential trade candidate. Simons' proven ability to score makes it conceivable that he could generate more external interest than anyone in that quartet."

Simons averaged 19.3 points and 4.8 assists with the Blazers this season, which was a slight dip from the previous two years when he passed the 20-point threshold.

His role would change, but he would give Orlando a much needed third scorer that it needs to form a more complete offense. That could be what the Magic need to finally get their first playoff series win since 2010.

MAGIC LINKED WITH ANOTHER GUARD?

In an offseason when the Orlando Magic are limited in spending, the organization has a chance to add a quality point guard on a team-friendly deal.

Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report recently linked the Magic with Tyus Jones of the Phoenix Suns.

"Orlando could use a quality ball-handler in its point-guard rotation, and it desperately needs to improve its range shooting. However, making a run at Kyrie Irving or James Harden—both have player options—probably isn't realistic," Knox wrote. "Phoenix Suns point guard Tyus Jones is probably the top realistic target for the Magic."

Jones signed with the Suns on a one-year, $3 million deal last offseason after recording career highs in points and assists with the Washington Wizards in 2023-24.

Jones signed with Phoenix to have a chance at championship contention, but those aspirations were dashed when the Suns underperformed and missed the playoffs.

Jones also lost his starting job to Bradley Beal in February, which he later revealed was frustrating.

"It's definitely frustrating, especially knowing what I bring to the table, knowing what I can provide to a team," Jones said.

Even though Jones enjoys Phoenix, he will weigh options.

Jones is a proven point guard who can facilitate and score. During his time with Phoenix, he averaged 10.2 points and 5.3 assists.

At 28, Jones provides a blend of veteran leadership and youth that can fit nicely with Orlando's up-and-coming core.

The Magic would also benefit from Jones' proven durability, as he has played 65-plus games in eight straight seasons.

MORE MAGIC COVERAGE

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Mock Draft Has Orlando Magic Taking Talented Big East Freshman

Orlando Magic Star Paolo Banchero Hints At Contract Extension?

Jeremy Brener works as a contributing writer for Orlando Magic On SI. He can be reached at jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com or follow him on X @JeremyBrener.