The proposed blockbuster trade sends Magic a $163 million 5-time All-Star.
Following a probable playoff berth, the Orlando Magic might finally become serious participants this offseason. This fact has sparked numerous NBA rumors regarding prospective talents for the Magic to partner with Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, the Magic might have up to $66 million in cap space, depending on how the team manages some of its current contracts. This would not hinder Orlando’s ability to be active in free agency, since the franchise could also absorb significant contracts through trade.
According to Andy Bailey of Bleacher Report, the Magic are the ideal fit for Donovan Mitchell, a five-time All-Star with the . The NBA analyst believes the Lakers may obtain Mitchell with a trade package centered on future draft picks and young players such as Anthony Black.
“Orlando would make more sense [than the New York Knicks] for both Mitchell and his potential new team,” Bailey detailed in an April 8, 2024 story titled, “Trade Scenarios for NBA Stars Who Need a Fresh Start.” “The Magic have the defensive infrastructure to cover for Mitchell’s shortcomings on that end and need his scoring on the other. Plus, the Magic have the potential cap space this summer to absorb most (if not all) of Mitchell’s salary without giving up many players of their own.
“Orlando could put together a package with Anthony Black and tons of draft consideration, which wouldn’t help the Cleveland Cavaliers immediately, but they could use those assets in future trades. A slower build around Darius Garland, Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen still has plenty of potential.”
The Magic have well outperformed preseason projections, but their offense might use a boost. Orlando needs more offensive firepower to relieve some of the load on Banchero and Wagner. Most crucially, the Magic require greater outside shooting, a recurring topic in Orlando’s prior offseasons.
Mitchell has averaged more than 25 points for four consecutive seasons. In 54 starts, the Cavs guard has averaged 26.5 points, 6.1 assists, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game while shooting 36.8% from long range.
Orlando would have to be prepared to accept Mitchell’s lucrative five-year, $163 million contract. Mitchell is set to earn $34.8 million for the 2024-25 season.
Mitchell may earn a big salary, but he does not commit to a long-term contract. Mitchell has a player option for 2025-26, which means he may become a free agent as soon as 2025.
It will be interesting to see if Orlando or another franchise will be willing to give up significant assets for Mitchell. The star is only guaranteed to be under contract for one more season given his player option. Cleveland could explore trade options if Mitchell refuses to sign a contract extension this offseason.
“We’ve been talking to him, sure, for the last couple of years about extending this contract,” Cavs owner Dan Gilbert told the Associated Press’ Larry Lage during a March 28 interview. “We think he will extend. I think if you listen to him talk, he loves the city.
“He loves the situation in Cleveland because our players are very young and we’re just kind of putting the core together that he’s clearly the biggest part of.”
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