The Washington Wizards and Portland Trail Blazers kicked off the trade festivities on draft night when they struck an agreement on a deal that sent Deni Avdija to the pacific northwest in exchange for the 14th overall pick of the 2024 NBA Draft (Carlton Carrington), Malcolm Brogdon, 2029 first-round pick, and two second round picks. While this trade, on the surface, isn't exactly too needle-moving in the grand scheme of the association, this deal could have repercussions on how the Orlando Magic conduct their business this offseason.

There have been rumblings around the league, per Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, that the Magic are going to make a move for Tyus Jones in free agency now that the Wizards have Brogdon on the roster. However, Fischer noted that the Magic, even though there's now a stronger chance that they sign Jones, should be wary of the impending contract situation of Jalen Suggs, as Suggs will be eligible for a huge rookie contract extension as he'll be entering the fourth year of his career.

The Magic enter the 2024 NBA free agency as one of the teams that could hold the most influence due to their influx of cap space. Many think that the Magic will go all-out to add a star, or at least an upgrade on the wing. But it looks as though the point guard position is something that they're looking to fill, what with Markelle Fultz entering free agency and Anthony Black not yet being ready to assume starting duties.

It's unclear just how big the Magic's appetite is when it comes to adding a point guard. They should still have Cole Anthony on the roster, while Black should become a better player in year two. Jalen Suggs did a solid enough job at the point anyway, freeing up more playmaking duties for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. Is it worth adding Tyus Jones when it's not exactly a huge point of need for the team?

Assessing the Magic's options in free agency

The Magic are one of the teams that were most commonly linked to the likes of Klay Thompson and Paul George, giving them an elite shooter and a solid enough defender on the wing — giving them a major upgrade over Gary Harris. Orlando has had a clear need for an upgrade at the two, and that still remains their roster's most pressing need.

Orlando could upgrade at the center position as well; Wendell Carter Jr. was very inconsistent throughout the 2023-24 season and Moritz Wagner profiles as more of a solid backup option. Jonathan Isaac could also play spot minutes at the five. Will the Magic prioritize this position? Perhaps not, especially with the players they still have on the roster.

Nonetheless, adding Tyus Jones is not the worst idea in the world; Jones is a wonderful offensive conductor who makes sure his teams get into their offensive sets. Jones is a deadly floater threat and he can be a catch and shoot weapon from deep as well, and with Jalen Suggs being a lockdown defender, they could certainly partner with each other in the backcourt effectively.