Trae Young was the first All-Star to be dealt this season, and he won’t be the only one. The Orlando Magic might want to shake things up to try to break into the top tier of the Eastern Conference.
According to Fansided’s Eamon Cassels, the Magic may part ways with their 2022 No. 1 overall pick and All-Star, Paolo Banchero, after having a down year and routine poor efficiency.
“Paolo Banchero is a tricky evaluation, and frankly, I'm high on him as a player. Likewise, of this group, he has the most value, and I wouldn't trade him until at least the offseason, especially since his contract has a poison pill restriction until the summer. Nevertheless, it's easy to see a scenario where his value declines and the Orlando Magic hold on to him for too long -- much like the Hawks did with Young…Regardless, Banchero's poor efficiency and the fact that he is having a down season could limit his value. Again, I don't think now is the time to trade him, but it could be sooner rather than later, ” Cassels wrote.
So far this season, Banchero is averaging 21.1 points, 8.6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game. His PPG is down from last year, and his perimeter shooting is much worse, going from a FG3% of 32.0 last season to 26.5 this year.
With that in mind, it might be time for the Magic to make their 1b in Wagner their 1a. By moving Banchero, the Magic could find a star point guard who finally helps them space the floor and playmake better.
Hopefully, Banchero gets it together, as he was the one who brought the Magic back into the playoff picture. However, if he doesn’t, it may be time to shop him around.
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