Atlanta Hawks star guard from Orlando Magic Land?

ORLANDO — The Orlando Magic enter a potentially historic offseason after going 47-35 and reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

Orlando was one game away from reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals, and its decisions this summer could be the difference between playoff contender and pretender.

To get us in the mood, Bleacher Report came up with 10 NBA trades that admittedly stem from their imagination.

For example, what would happen if the Magic acquired Atlanta Hawks point guard Trae Young for Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, Jett Howard, a 2025 first-round pick via the Denver Nuggets, a 2027 first-round pick and a trading first-round picks in 2029. ?

“There are some real offensive concerns with this group,” Bleacher Report writes. “And while it’s cool to boast two forwards who can create for themselves and others, having a true high-end point guard to take some of that responsibility on them could push Orlando to the next level.”

Offensively, Young could fit right into Orlando’s backcourt. In 2023-24, the three-time All-Star averaged 25.7 points, a career-high 10.8 assists per game, and made 37.3% of his 3-point attempts. He also proved he can perform at his best in the playoffs, averaging 26.4 points and nine assists in 27 career playoff games.

A point guard with Young’s skill set makes sense for a Magic team that was tied for last in 3-pointers made per game (11), tied for 23rd in points per game (110.5) and needs to relieve some pressure on All-Star. striker Paolo Banchero.

Banchero led Orlando in points and assists per game during the regular season. His 38-point performance in a loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in Game 7 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs proved how much they needed to get him more help.

“Despite the constant criticism of Trae Young’s ball dominance and lack of defense, he remains one of the most consistent and dynamic offensive powerhouses in the league,” writes Bleacher Report. “And the easy looks he would create would do wonders for Banchero (who was one of the least efficient scorers in the league) and (Franz) Wagner.”

This successful hypothesis is not without concern. The Hawks leader is a liability in defense. While Young could protect himself by playing alongside NBA All-Defense honorees Jalen Suggs and Jonathan Isaac, would a defensive-minded coach like the Magic’s Jamahl Mosley want to take on Young?

Young’s contract could also make it difficult for Orlando to add pieces. Young is set to make more than $43 million for each of the next three seasons, which could be problematic for Orlando with Suggs and Wagner expected to extend their rookie seasons this offseason and Banchero next year.

In a win-now window, parting with the picks necessary to acquire a player of Young’s stature is painless. And Black and Howard are relative unknowns. Anthony’s points coming off the bench should be replaced.

The idea of ​​Trae Young joining Suggs, Banchero and Wagner is compelling. Most of the “what ifs” are.