2025-26 Team Developments: Trades / Free Agents / News / Rumors / Ideas

I know it’s a bit random, but what does everyone think of Jalen Suggs and putting him with Reaves and Luka? He had a bad play in and I think the Magic could blow things up. His contract is decreasing yearly.

Suggs is an excellent defender in the mold of Marcus Smart and he is young enough where he could still develop his 3pt shot like Jason Kidd did, he has shown flashes.

Vando, Ayton and Knecht for Suggs work. It would probably take 2 firsts? But that’s not an exciting package for the Magic. Maybe as part of a bigger trade when they move one of Franz or Banchero.

Luka / Kennard / Bronny
Reaves / Smart
Suggs / Jake
Lebron / x / Adou
x / Hayes / x

 

We’re saying the NBA rips up his contract with the clippers as a punishment. And he signs the MLE there.

Steph / Melton
Butler / BP
Kawhi / Moody
Green / Santos
Porzingis / Horford

That’s a team that could contend if healthy for a year or two.

 

I have him on our big board, but he is lower on the board. He's an excellent defender, and overall scorer. I like that he is not hesitant to shoot threes. But, he is not the most accurate 3-pt shooter. 34% last year, and 33% for his career. Which is below average. His volume helps make him passable though, but we are talking about a 32 million dollar player. Maybe he's improving. Next year is his age 25 season. But he's also had durability issues. Could be a good buy low option, but I'm not sure the Magic view him as a buy low guy. But they might have reduce salaries. Lakers could benefit by trading unfavorable contacts. Lakers could do something like trade Vando + 2024 1st + 2031 1st for Suggs. I like Suggs better than Herb, due to better shooting. Use 23 million of cap room to absorb Suggs. Lakers are left with 28 million in cap room, to use on probably a big, like Robinson, and Lebron. This is not my favorite option. Watson seems to be bigger, longer, and a more accurate shooter than Suggs. Suggs seems to be the better ball hawk. I rather have Watson. Watson has had less accolades and exposure, but he is 3 inches taller, longer reach, more versatile, etc, 1 year younger, etc. Watson is the better prospect. If Orlando is desperate to get off Suggs long term salary, they could take back some more contracts from us, like Ayton and Knecht. Lakers end up with 40 million in cap room in this case. Also, maybe we only send one first. A trade of Vando + Ayton + Knecht + #24 + 2031 1st for Suggs might be okay.

 

the chance of having Kawhi and Porzingis both healthy for a full playoff run must be also non-existent

 

I'd love to have Suggs on the team, he's like a younger Smart. But he misses a lot of games. Also, I think the Magic are going to really shake things up but I don't know that Suggs is going to be a part of that. He's been the heart of the team and the core of the defensive identity. I think it's more likely one of Paolo or Franz is out (I think Franz), along with a new coach to modernize the offense. Finally, I don't see why they'd take Vando in this deal.

 

I feel like either Paolo or Franz would be a good fit in Milwaukee.

 

Paolo's extension is about to kick in, I think him + about $13 million in matching salary for Giannis makes sense for both teams. I'm still a Paolo believer, let him re-discover his game on a bad Milwaukee team for a while. Giannis gets to be on the East Coast, which he supposedly prefers so he can get over to Greece quicker, while still being the guy for a franchise. If you basically replace Paolo with Giannis, I think that Magic team is right in the thick of the East.

 

I think Orlando would have the same problems they had with Paolo, if Giannis goes there. Unless it triggers other moves.
Although Giannis is naturally a much better player so they would improve just on that. But far from a contender yet, which I imagine Giannis wants to be.

Also would like to see Paolo in a fresh team and scenario. But he seems to be type of superstar that never translates to winning basketball. He gotta improve significantly in his shooting and defensive this summer. He should be a menace on defense with his frame, size, strength, speed. No excuses