Orlando Magic: 3 dream trade scenarios for 2019 and beyond
By Luke Duffy
1. Ben Simmons
What, did you think this spot was going to go to Anthony Davis? Not even in the wildest dreams of the Magic could they hope to acquire him. There is more chance of Howard joining the team again (in that hypothetical Beal trade) before the deadline and leading them to a championship within six months of coming back.
As it stands, it is crazy that the name of Ben Simmons has been brought up recently in trade rumors as a result of Jimmy Butler‘s arrival and subsequent ability to kick up a fuss. But if the unthinkable happened, the Magic would actually be in a pretty good spot to take advantage.
As mentioned above, their need for a point guard is obvious, and they should be willing to give up any player on their roster to acquire somebody like Simmons. He is under contract for a couple more years after this one, so would not be going anywhere.
The Philadelphia 76ers, where he currently plies his trade, need some depth for their bench and everybody from Ross to Fournier to Gordon could provide that. Even Khem Birch would have some use, as there is little backup for centerpiece Joel Embiid. Given all of the big men that the 76ers drafted and quickly moved on from, this is difficult to believe.
To make the salaries match, the Magic would have to take on Wilson Chandler‘s expiring contract, but let’s be honest: We’re not here because this is a deal that is close to being completed. If we wanted to take the more realistic approach, then it would surely include asking about another former first overall pick who is in Philadelphia instead.
But to think of Simmons running the point with some combination of Gordon, Isaac and Bamba would be amazing. A dream even, which is the point of this slideshow, because that is all it is likely ever to be.
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At some point, the Orlando Magic are going to have to flip some of their assets, as their roster doesn’t have the right balance as currently constructed. Until concrete deals have been made, it is exciting to think about what the future could hold — even if history tells us that the reality will be much more sensible.