Orlando Magic (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
NBA Draft rumors: Orlando Magic trying to trade into top 5
The Orlando Magic own the No. 6 and No. 11 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft. With so much young talent on the roster, it would not be shocking for the front office to consolidate assets in favor of landing one great prospect instead of two good prospects.
According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype, Orlando is “open to moving the No. 6 and No. 11 picks if the Magic can move into the 3-5 range.” While the value of such a deal ultimately depends on where in the 3-5 range the Magic can land (and, subsequently, who is available), such a maneuver would make logical sense.
The prospect who Orlando should have the most interest in is Scoot Henderson, who is expected to fall to Portland at No. 3. The Blazers have been heavily involved in trade rumors with Damian Lillard still looking to contend, but trading down for more draft picks might not interest them unless Orlando can sweeten the package with an impact player — maybe Wendell Carter Jr.
The Rockets at No. 4 and the Pistons at No. 5 would be wise to take Orlando’s call. There’s a lot of value in the mid-to-late lottery range. The Pistons especially need more depth and as many bites at the proverbial apple as possible.
As for Orlando, one has to imagine a trade up would be geared toward acquiring one of the Thompson twins or Villanova wing Cam Whitmore. Amen Thompson is the better overall prospect, but Asuar Thompson has more experience working off the ball and is considered a much better shooter. Whitmore would be well-suited to shooting and slashing off passes from Markelle Fultz, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner.