The Orlando Magic could be a dark-horse trade destination for Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer, but any deal would revolve around how much the Milwaukee Bucks value Paolo Banchero. ESPN's Ramona Shelburne talked about the validity of Orlando being a suitor during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show, only adding fuel to the fire.
"I would look at a team like Orlando. They're close, they're already making a move, they're going to get a new coach who has some good young pieces."
Magic have key piece to entice Milwaukee
The belief that Orlando could go after Giannis is further intensified by the Magic hiring Sean Sweeney, a former Bucks assistant and friend of the Greek Freak, as their head coach. If joining Orlando entices Giannis, the Magic better hope the Milwaukee Bucks are incredibly high on former No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero.
A deal would center around Banchero being the blue-chip prospect the Milwaukee Bucks have been on the hunt for from the moment Giannis rumors began. A Rookie of the Year and All-Star, Banchero has four-year career averages of 22.3 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 4.8 assists per game. The forward is still just 23 years old and filled with potential.
Looking at possible trade packages across the NBA, Banchero is perhaps the best individual young piece the Milwaukee Bucks could get. Miami's Kel'el Ware would be a nice get, but he doesn't have a resume like Banchero's. Boston's Jaylen Brown is accomplished but wouldn't fit in with Milwaukee's new rebuilding timeline after a Giannis trade. Orlando has a compelling case to make.
Magic lingering in the background
Orlando needs Milwaukee to like Banchero because they don't have much to offer. Their draft capital stash is depleted after selling the farm for Desmond Bane last summer. If they were to package what they had left with Banchero and one other young piece like Anthony Black, perhaps the Bucks would pick up the phone and at least listen to their pitch.
Of course, Giannis also has to express some interest in Orlando. No team is trading for him if they are unsure if he will sign an extension. Miami is among the top rumored destinations on Giannis' wish list, but Orlando has a lot of the same positives to offer weather-wise and in terms of no state income tax. The biggest roadblock is that they don't employ Bam Adebayo, a friend of Giannis.
Only time will tell, but Miami might have an in-state competitor fighting for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.
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