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Having the number one pick in any draft is a prestigious honor for any franchise in the NBA. Throughout their tenure in the NBA, the Orlando Magic selected thrice with the no. 1 overall pick, and they have struck gold on all three selections. Shaquille O'Neal, Chris Webber, and Dwight Howard are all likely to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, so adding another superstar big man to their history could be the direction they would choose.
Chet Holmgren, Jabari Smith Jr., and Paolo Banchero are likely to be the top three picks in this class, but the organization also can trade this unique commodity. A slew of squads would be interested in retooling their roster and adding a young stud with a high upside. Thus, here are a few trades that Orlando could consider if they are not satisfied with the top pick in this year's draft.
Magic 2022 NBA Draft Trades Using No. 1 Pick
Bradley Beal
An individual who has been in persisting trade rumors for numerous years, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal could be the veteran that could mentor these young men from Orlando. The primary reason for the Magic to trade their top selection is if they dread for an instant scorer who could galvanize his teammates to succeed at the NBA stage and possibly squeak into a play-in spot in the Eastern Conference.
The numbers of Bradley Beal have dwindled this past season with the Wizards because of injuries and rumored disappointment with roster construction, but Beal could easily tally over 25 PPG if he is in the right situation. Furthermore, Beal could be the perfect veteran to guide Franz Wagner and Cole Anthony in continuing to find their footing in the league.
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Zion Williamson
One of the individuals who has the highest upside among the individuals in the NBA landscape, Zion Williamson still has a huge question mark with his durability and longevity. As a former no. 1 overall pick, his value remains to a tremendous degree because of his spectacular athleticism combined with his well-rounded skill set.
Playing at the four-position, Zion Williamson would be a fantastic complement to Wendell Carter Jr., but the main question is the belief of the Magic organization for Williamson to overcome the injury concerns. In the previous 2020-21 campaign, Williamson was a dominant and unstoppable force by contributing 27 PPG in 61 games. He could have a similar impact to any of the top choices in this year's draft, but choosing Williamson is a generational talent who has already produced at an impeccable level at the NBA level.
Rudy Gobert
Among the three choices in this, acquiring Rudy Gobert could be the one with the lowest value because of his subpar performances over the past two seasons in the NBA playoffs. One of the best rim protectors in NBA History, Gobert would provide that foundational piece in constructing a lineup that would prioritize defense immensely.
The problem with having Gobert on the roster is the ancillary and supporting pieces must be built in a way that must complement his style of the play. That has been the unfortunate issue for the Utah Jazz because their perimeter defenders do not bring the same intensity and defensive prowess as Gobert. Thus, defenses attack their own man and force Gobert to help on the slashers and cutters, which mitigates his incredible rim protection.
It would be more than ideal for Orlando to select either Jabari Smith Jr. or Chet Holmgren, but there could be some unexpected discussions and negotiations done behind the scene. Moreover, the Magic franchise must make it a point to not accept anything less than a proven star at the NBA in this possible deal. They could even demand some other assets like a consistent role player or future draft capital. The Orlando Magic have this rare privilege for the fourth time in their history, so they must utilize it properly and brilliantly.
