The 2022 offseason could be the start of something special for the Orlando Magic. It's cause for celebration any time you have a number one overall pick and add perhaps the best player in the draft. With Paolo Banchero joining the team — and Mo Bamba and Gary Harris re-signing in NBA free agency — the offseason has been very good to them.
Fortunately for Banchero, the Magic have a solid team for him to grow with. With Bamba, Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Chuma Okeke, Wendell Carter Jr., and R.J. Hampton, Orlando has tons of potential wingmen for the new face of the franchise.
Orlando doesn't have much more to do during free agency. They have young players everywhere on the roster and, although not all of them will be a part of their next playoff team, they will be a key part of their tank for 2023 as they hope to land Victor Wembenyama or Scoot Henderson.
While free agency is still going strong, here are three moves the Magic should still do.
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3 moves Magic still must make after first week of 2022 NBA free agency
3. Make a run at OG Anunoby or Donovan Mitchell
Why not? It can't hurt the Magic to make a run at a high-level young player like OG Anunoby or Donovan Mitchell, who could both presumably be traded still.
Both Anunoby and Mitchell would be a great addition for Orlando. Anunoby could slide into the three spot in the lineup and help the Magic improve defensively while Mitchell would elevate the offense very well. Young players who are on the brink (or have reached) stardom are the kinds of players Orlando should look to trade for. Since the Magic have the cap room to accommodate a big contract without sacrificing all of their space, this is the time to go for a trade.
Of course, neither the Toronto Raptors nor Utah Jazz will give up their young star easily. Orlando has the haul of picks to throw at one of them but that may include their 2023 pick, which will almost certainly be one of the highest ones. If the Magic can't find a deal worth doing for one of those young players, there is still one they can get for a much cheaper price.
2. Make a sign-and-trade for Collin Sexton
Banchero is entering the NBA with the hopes that he can be a leading scorer in the future. He will need the right players around him to help him while gets used to the next level of competition. Anthony and Wagner will definitely help. Orlando could do even more, though, by adding Collin Sexton.
The 23-year-old Sexton is still young enough to be a part of Orlando's future. He has averaged upwards of 24.3 points per game in the past and should be healthy again by the time next season rolls around. Instead of hoping one of their young players can become capable of that, why not just get someone who they know can do that?
By trading away Terrence Ross, Hampton, Devin Cannady, Mo Wagner and draft picks — perhaps the Chicago Bulls' first-rounder next year and at least one second-rounder — the Magic could land Sexton. They could also send Jonathan Isaac or Markelle Fultz in the deal. It may be easier to use one of their contracts. But in the hypothetical trade, they would get to keep both as long as Sexton's new contract is worth around $21 million in the first year.
1. Move on from Terrence Ross
This is the most obvious move Orlando has to make. After failing to find trades for him at the trade deadline two years in a row, the Magic have to part ways with Ross.
The 31-year-od Ross has been a bench scorer for a while now, watching as the Magic bring in more young players. The front office should absolutely let him go play on a playoff team again and open up roster space for the young players. Orlando has a plethora of wings on top of Banchero and Caleb Houstan coming in.
Since Ross is on an expiring contract and is coming off a career-worst season in terms of shooting efficiency, his value is pretty low. Releasing him and eating the remainder of his contract this season is a fine price to pay. A trade would be better, even if all the Magic get back are protected second-round picks, but there may not be any on the table anymore. Regardless, it's time for Ross to head out of Orlando.
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