Orlando Magic: Analyzing a LaMelo Ball-centric trade with the Warriors

Does this trade work for the Orlando Magic?

There is no doubt that the Magic would feel the loss of Vucevic badly. He has been their best player for over five years and is one of their 15 best players ever. However what is also clear is that as long as he is their best player, and he will remain this because of the Magic’s inability to add quality to their roster while he is still there, there is a cap on how good they can be.

That is likely a first-round playoff exit, so taking a step back in the short-term would hopefully lead to larger growth down the road. Ball would bring some star power and more league-wide talk about an organization that is criminally overlooked, but saying goodbye to Fultz so soon would be a risk. He clearly has something, and right now looks comfortable as the team’s floor general.

The returns around Ball aren’t much to talk about either. Andrew Wiggins has had such an underwhelming career to this point, and although he has talent and can create his own shot, something which is lacking on the roster, it remains to be seen how big his impact could be.

He is not a good 3-point shooter and would be seen as one of the Magic’s best players. We saw how that played out when he was a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves, and if he couldn’t make it work next to a generational big man like Karl-Anthony Towns, there is little reason to think it would go much differently in Orlando.

Kevon Looney has similarities to Khem Birch, who is a fan favorite, so he wouldn’t get a lot of run initially. Ironically Jordan Poole could end up being the most enticing player other than Ball who lands with the Magic. He had some nice moments on a decimated Warriors roster last year, and looked comfortable scoring and putting the ball on the floor.

With Poole under contract at little money until he hits restricted free agency in 2023, he would be a much cheaper option than Evan Fournier, who is entering the final year of his deal. Many fans can’t wait to move on from Fournier, and although he is better than Poole, getting his $17 million off the books and seeing what Poole could do makes sense. All things considered though, this is a dodgy deal for the Magic. Wiggins has flattered to deceive, and Ball has many question marks.