The Orlando Magic are entering a major new phase after several seasons of building around young talent. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs have been central to that development, while the team recently added Desmond Bane as part of its push to become a stronger Eastern Conference contender.
Banchero, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, averaged 22.2 points, 8.4 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game in 72 regular-season appearances during the 2025-26 campaign. He shot 45.9% from the field and had a career-best rebounding average, according to the provided statistics.
The Magic’s next step has been closely watched following the arrival of new head coach Sean Sweeney. The franchise had been focused on maximizing its young core and turning recent playoff experience into deeper postseason success.
Shams Charania Reports Paolo Banchero Trade to New Orleans Pelicans
ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania announced on X, “The Orlando Magic are trading Paolo Banchero to the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Trey Murphy III, Herb Jones and two future first-round picks.”
The deal would move Banchero out of Orlando after four seasons with the franchise. In return, the Magic would add two established New Orleans wings while also receiving two future first-round selections.
Trey Murphy III is coming off the best statistical season of his career. He averaged 21.5 points, 5.7 rebounds and 3.8 assists per game in 2025-26 while shooting 37.9% from three-point range.
Herb Jones provides a different skill set. He averaged 8.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.6 steals per game while serving as a key defensive player for the Pelicans.
The move would also give Orlando additional draft capital after the franchise had already used significant first-round resources to acquire Desmond Bane.
Banchero’s departure would mark a major change for a Magic team that had built around him since selecting him first overall. His regular-season numbers remained strong, although his efficiency and overall impact had become subjects of wider discussion.
Michael Pina of The Ringer previously wrote of Banchero, “At 23 years old, Banchero has mostly played on injury-depleted teams, in lineups that can’t space the floor, under a coach he didn’t vibe with.”
The trade, therefore, changes both the Magic’s roster and the structure of their long-term plans.
Trey Murphy III and Herb Jones Give Orlando New Pieces
GettyHerbert Jones with Trey Murphy III
Murphy and Jones would give Orlando two wings with contrasting strengths as the Magic move forward under Sweeney.
Murphy’s scoring and perimeter shooting would add another offensive option to a roster that has relied heavily on Banchero, Wagner and other young players. His 37.9% three-point shooting last season would also provide spacing around Orlando’s core.
Jones would strengthen the defensive side of the roster. His 1.6 steals per game last season reflected his role as one of New Orleans’ primary defensive players.
The Pelicans, meanwhile, would acquire a young former No. 1 overall pick to build around. Banchero has already shown the ability to produce at a high level and has had strong playoff performances during his Orlando career.
The Magic had also entered the offseason with pressure to improve after recent first-round playoff exits. Don Strouble of Full Court Magic highlighted the importance of the team’s experience, saying, “This is a very young nucleus and a group that is largely unproven.”
The reported trade would now considerably reshape that nucleus. Orlando would receive two players and two future first-round picks, while New Orleans would acquire Banchero as the centerpiece of the deal.
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