Orlando Magic: 3 bold predictions for the 2021-22 season
By Luke Duffy
3. The Orlando Magic make a core-changing trade
A surprising place to start, but looking at the roster it is not as ridiculous a prospect as you might think. Obviously, the front office is going to give this group every chance to grow together and to see how all of the pieces fit together too. On some nights it will look imbalanced and ugly, but that is all part of the process.
One look at the backcourt, however, throws up some interesting questions. Right now the Magic have Suggs, Hampton, Anthony, Markelle Fultz and Gary Harris on their books. Harris will be an unrestricted free agent next summer, and a contender may see him as a rental for a postseason push (like Evan Fournier was for the Boston Celtics last year). He does make a good deal of money though and the Magic wouldn’t get a lot back for him as a likely short-term rental.
But beyond that, it will be interesting to see how the Magic develop their backcourt. Not so long ago it was their clear area of weakness when Arron Afflalo was leading the team in scoring and was the best part about their guard rotation. We’ve come a long way since, but all four of the other young players mention, all of which are under 23, will all feel they should start.
Which makes the future of Anthony in particular interesting. Clearly, his chip on the shoulder mentality was greatly appreciated by fans in his rookie season, and it molded how the group as a whole approached plenty of games. He is clearly important to the culture and growth of the team as a cohesive unit, as well as being a guard with plenty of upside.
But with Fultz having been given a new deal not so long ago, Suggs already looking like he could be the guy and Hampton having tons of potential, what would happen if the right deal came up for Anthony? The kind that could see another young player go in the other direction? The Magic are far from set at any position in the court, and there should be discussions around any player.
It just feels right now that if the front office is to surprise and continue trying to get better, somebody like Anthony could be the candidate to get moved on. Not that he should be, and there’s every chance he has a brilliant sophomore season. Maybe it will be Okeke or Wendell Carter Jr. who leaves? There’s tons of youth on the roster right now and if another organization picks up the phone about anybody, the team should listen to what they have to say.