After losing in the first round of the playoffs for three consecutive seasons, the Orlando Magic could look to shake up the roster in a major way over the offseason.
Trading for a two-time NBA MVP would be one way to do that.
Orlando Magic Named Potential Landing Spot for Giannis Antetokounmpo
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 09: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts during a 105-101 win over the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on January 09, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks plan to listen to trade offers for superstar forward Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Orlando was named as a potential destination by Kurt Helin of NBC Sports.
The Magic explored the idea of trading for Antetokounmpo prior to the trade deadline in February, per Helin, though no deal came to fruition. Perhaps things will be different this time around.
“After another early, disappointing exit from the playoffs — including a Game 6 collapse where the Magic missed 23 shots in a row at one point — there are a lot of people around the league who see Orlando potentially going all in on an Antetokounmpo trade,” Helin wrote. “The Magic at least explored the idea of trading for the Greek Freak at the deadline.”
Antetokounmpo recently expressed a desire to continue his career in a warm climate, and Orlando would certainly fit the bill there.
Magic Would Likely Have to Move Paolo Banchero to Land Giannis Antetokounmpo
GettyBOSTON, MA – APRIL 12: Paolo Banchero #5 of the Orlando Magic leaves the court as the Boston Celtics celebrate a 113-108 win at TD Garden on April 12, 2026 in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo By Winslow Townson/Getty Images)
As Helin points out, any trade package from Orlando for Antetokounmpo would likely have to include star forward Paolo Banchero, as well as multiple draft picks. It would be a bit of a gamble given that Banchero is almost a decade younger than Antetokounmpo, but it would also instantly raise Orlando’s ceiling.
“Orlando likely would construct a deal around Paolo Banchero and a handful of first-round picks. This trade would dramatically shorten the runway in Orlando because they get much older — Banchero is 23, Antetokounmpo turns 32 next season — but, if everyone is healthy, it gets them closer to the teams at the top of the East next season and for a few years,” Helin wrote.
“Antetokounmpo gets to go to a contender in a warm-weather state. If the Magic are convinced the Banchero and Franz Wagner era isn’t going to work out and the duo needs to be broken up, this is a path they can choose.”
In this situation Orlando would simply have to decide if it’s worth mortgaging the future with Banchero to go all-in with Antetokounmpo in the present. The answer should probably be yes.
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