The 2023-24 NBA season saw the Orlando Magic return to the playoffs for the first time in four years. It was a big step forward for the franchise and showed that youngsters Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner are legitimate stars to build a perennial playoff contender around.
The organization reportedly could have as much as $60 million in cap space this season, and have five first-round picks over the next three years to use as trade assets. With the team having the resources to make some big additions this offseason, let’s look at 10 players the Orlando Magic could target on the free agent and trade market, as well as in the 2024 NBA Draft.
Sign Warriors legend Klay Thompson
There have been rumblings for weeks that Klay Thompson could be a top target for the Magic this summer. Recently it was revealed that the interest is “mutual.” While the future Hall-of-Famer is nowhere near his peak form, he brings the sharpshooter and championship pedigree head coach Jamahal Mosley badly needs to help take this young and talented team to the next level.
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Make a splash by signing the best free agent PG, D’Angelo Russell
Orlando needs a veteran floor general who can also fill it up consistently. The market for point guards in free agency is not strong, and that is why D’Angelo Russell is probably the best of the bunch. However, that doesn’t mean the one-time All-Star wouldn’t be a great addition for the Magic. He would bring the backcourt scoring they require to compete with elite teams, as well as veteran savvy with prime years remaining at just 28 years old.
Sign Isaiah Hartenstein away from the Knicks
Wendell Carter Jr. is a rock-solid center in the league, however, what Isaiah Hartenstein has done for the New York Knicks this year shows the difference he can make toward a playoff team. While he isn’t the new-age center who can shoot the three, he is an elite dirty-work player who can play high-level defense, score in the post, and is a very good ball handler to keep the offense flowing from out of the post.
Plus, signing him away from New York would be a killer blow to a conference rival.
Add veteran backcourt experience with Chris Paul
If the organization does not want to overpay for Russell, a far cheaper but worthwhile route could be to pursue future Hall-of-Famer Chris Paul. Yes, he is old. Yes, he gets injured. But he would be a very effective stopgap and upgrade at point guard who can mentor the team’s young stars and have an impact on their new winning culture for years.
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Boost the bench with sharpshooter Buddy Hield
The Orlando Magic badly need to get more three-point shooters on their roster to compete at the highest levels. There is no better option on the market for just that than Buddy Hield. He is one of the most prolific three-point shooters of the last five years, so with Thompson as a starter and Hield off the bench, the Magic would have a scary three-threat at all times. Something they missed this season.
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Move up to draft Reed Shepphard
Shooting, especially from three-point range must be a top priority for Orlando this summer. If they feel they can’t address the need in free agency, or want to bolster the bench shooting via the draft, Kentucky sharpshooter Reed Sheppard should be on their radar.
The NBA prospect shot a whopping 52.1 percent from three last season and is flying up draft boards. He is unlikely to be available to pick when the Orlando Magic are on the clock at 18, so the team may need to use one of their extra picks in 2025 and 2026 to move up to land him near the end of the top 10.
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Take a flier on Jordan Poole
It now seems like it was a long time ago when Jordan Poole looked to be the heir apparent to Klay Thompson and the player who could be Stephen Curry’s wingman in a new dynasty for the Golden State Warriors. However, after being traded last summer to Washington, he was a disaster with the Wizards and lost his starting spot.
But at 24, he is too young and too talented not to rehabilitate. That is why Orlando should check to see if Washington is willing to part with him and try to land a high-upside player who has proven his talent in the league for a cheaper price.
Draft big man of the future Zach Edey
If the Magic don’t want to trade up in the NBA draft for a shooter, they could stay at their current spot and take two-time Player of the Year Zach Edey. The big man may not be a defensive monster at the next level due to his limited athleticism, however, he can still be a strong rebounder and scoring upgrade over Carter Jr. in the middle.
Sign former NBA MVP Russell Westbrook
Another interesting option for Orlando in free agency could be nine-time All-Star Russell Westbrook. While he does not bring the long-range shooting they need, he is still an impact player at 35 who would bring the scoring threat from the backcourt to free things up more for Banchero and Wagner.
Trade for Hawks center Clint Capela
Rebounding was a weakness for the Magic in 2023-24 and they were near the bottom of the league in that category. Clint Capela has been a steady double-double machine for much of his career while also being a high-level rim protector. The 10-year-veteran would be an upgrade at center that could force Carter Jr. to the bench to strengthen that unit, and he would fit right in with Mosley’s defensive style.
