The Orlando Magic’s season has not gone as planned, and all eyes are on Paolo Banchero as the team is one loss away from their season ending. Banchero admitted that the Charlotte Hornets have had the Magic’s number this season.
Orlando needs a win over Charlotte to secure the No. 8 seed in the Eastern Conference and make the NBA playoffs.
“Yeah, they’ve been playing really well,” Banchero explained in an April 15, 2026, press conference. “They’ve kicked our (expletive) this year, so we’ve got to be ready. I’ve got to be ready, and we have to be locked in from the jump.
“I thought we played hard tonight, but it wasn’t enough, and so it’s going to take even more of an effort. And it’s going to take me playing better as well for us to get the win. So it’s definitely a big game on Friday.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Magic rumors.
The Magic Are Being Urged to Cut Ties With Paolo Banchero Via Trade
Banchero consistently passed up open looks against the Philadelphia 76ers, displaying a hesitancy to shoot from long range. The Magic’s struggles has prompted plenty of NBA rumors that the team could look to trade Banchero or move on from head coach Jamahl Mosley.
“Anything can happen in one game but Charlotte really should beat Orlando for the 8 seed,” Yahoo Sports’ Dan Wolken detailed in an April 15, message on X. “It’s over for them. Total overhaul needed with this bunch. They have to move Paolo.”
Banchero signed a 5-year, $239 million contract last offseason. All signs point to Orlando making a coaching change rather than potentially moving on from Banchero in the coming months.
Magic Star to Demand Trade If HC Jamahl Mosley Is Not Fired: Report
Bleacher Report’s Jake Fischer reported that the Magic are likely to cut ties with Mosley, regardless of how the NBA playoffs play out. The Ringer’s Raheem Palmer reported that a Magic star player will push for a trade this offseason if Mosley is not fired.
Palmer did not mention Banchero by name, but the two have appeared to be at odds this season, contradicting each other with comments through the media.
“Source: The Magic are dealing with major turmoil in their locker room with my sources saying that a star player is willing to demand a trade if the head coach Jamahl Mosley isn’t fired at the end of this season,” Palmer explained in an April 14, message on X.
Paolo Banchero’s Message Ahead of Hornets vs. Magic: ‘Don’t Hesitate’
For now, the Magic’s attention turns to the Hornets as Orlando attempts to save their season. Banchero admitted to being hesitant during the team’s loss to the Sixers.
“Yeah, I think just continue to try to make quick decisions,” Banchero noted. “Don’t hesitate. I think I had some looks in the start of the second half that I didn’t shoot. When you do that, I think the basketball gods aren’t going to reward you because then I had another couple shots that felt good that didn’t go in.
“So just a frustrating night for sure for me. Coming in Friday, you’ve got to come in with a clear mind and go do what you’ve got to do to win the game.”
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