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The Magic haven’t been true contenders in a long time. The last time they were in a position to win was with the group around Dwight Howard from 2004-2011. Since then, they have been at best a mediocre franchise, getting no higher than the 7 seed and a first round exit. They now have a true star in the making once again in Paolo Banchero, who is doing things not done by a rookie since LeBron James. It seems like this time around, it might just work. What if the front office decides to accelerate that, widening the championship window for this core? This series explores how the Magic could become true contenders for the 2023 championship.
Why the Jazz do this:
The Jazz have been a surprisingly solid team this year, but they clearly aren’t contenders. Danny Ainge is not one to be in the middle of the standings, he likes to be either contending or tanking. The consensus is that, sooner or later, the Jazz will blow this team up in favor of trying to get their best shot at Wembanyama this year. This trade helps them achieve that. They move their second best player this year in Jordan Clarkson and get their asking price of a first round pick. They also get a player in Markelle Fultz who, despite being labeled a bust, still has potential and has flashed that potential when healthy in Orlando. They also save a few dollars by getting rid of Rudy Gay’s contract.
Jazz lineups:
Starters: PG: Mike Conley SG: Markelle Fultz SF: Lauri Markkanen PF: Jarred Vanderbilt C: Walker Kessler
Bench: PG: Collin Sexton SG: Ochai Agbaji SF: Talen Horton-Tucker PF: Udoka Azubuike C: Kelly Olynyk
Why the Magic do this:
The Magic have too many point guards. Markelle Fultz, Cole Anthony, RJ Hampton, and Jalen Suggs all competing for minutes isn’t sustainable. They get rid of one of the less valuable members of this group in Fultz to get a scoring player who can shift between point and shooting guard. They also get a sixth man in the middle of his career year who should be good for years to come, despite being 30 years old. Rudy Gay also provides veteran leadership in addition to Ross. The pick that they trade should be a late first rounder and is the least valuable pick in their arsenal.
Magic lineups:
This is just the first part of a series to create a contending Magic team. Stay tuned to see the new team take shape.