The Orlando Magic are itching to elevate their offense in 2025-26.
Bleacher Report’s Andy Bailey has floated an intriguing trade idea to make that happen.
While LaMelo Ball isn’t likely to leave the Charlotte Hornets anytime soon, HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto reported that multiple executives are keeping tabs on his availability.
If Ball hits the trade market, Bailey suggests the Magic could pounce with a package of Jalen Suggs, Jett Howard, and the No. 16 pick in the upcoming NBA draft.
“(LaMelo's) playmaking would help Orlando, but the bigger boost he could provide may be on the shooting front,” Bailey wrote. “His three-point percentage plummeted to 33.9 in 2024-25, but getting up more than 10 per game would change the geometry of the floor for the Magic.”
Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp
Ball’s high-volume three-point shooting, even with a dip in efficiency, forces defenses to stretch, which could open driving lanes for stars like Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero.
LaMelo's length also makes him a less glaring defensive liability than other offensive-minded guards, fitting nicely into Orlando’s adaptable defensive scheme.
For Charlotte, the deal would bring a defensive-minded guard in Suggs who could complement Brandon Miller’s on-ball creation. Adding the No. 16 pick would offer another chance to draft a young talent to build around Miller.
From Orlando’s perspective, this trade is a bold swing. Ball’s playmaking and shooting could unlock the Magic’s offense. However, trading Suggs could weaken Orlando’s identity as a defensive powerhouse. Suggs’s ability to hound opposing guards is a cornerstone of the Magic’s top-five defense. Losing him would be a steep price for a player with Ball’s injury history.
For Charlotte, the trade makes sense if they’re ready to pivot toward a defensive identity around Miller. Suggs could thrive in a system that gives him more offensive freedom, and the No. 16 pick offers a shot at a high-upside prospect in a deep draft.
Still, parting with Ball, a dynamic offensive engine, would be a tough pill to swallow unless the Hornets are fully committed to a rebuild.
This trade is a gamble for both sides. Orlando would be betting on Ball’s star power to transform their offense, while Charlotte would bank on Suggs and a draft pick to reshape their future.
More NBA: Mavs predicted to fire Nico Harrison, trade $175.4 million star to Hornets