Magic could add more star power in trade for Bulls' $275 million duo in trade rumors

The Orlando Magic have started the season 9-6 and currently sit third in the Eastern Conference standings. This is despite losing their star player, Paolo Banchero, to a torn right oblique early in the season.

Even with Banchero out, Orlando has found ways to win games due to their elite defensive play. Led by Defensive Player of the Year hopeful, Jalen Suggs, the Magic currently have the best defense in the NBA and are allowing only 102.2 points per game to opposing teams.

While their defense has dominated, their offense has been lackluster since Banchero went down. They are scoring only 106.9 points per game, which ranks as the third worst in the NBA behind the Philadelphia 76ers and New Orleans Pelicans.

With their offense struggling, Orlando has relied on their defense to win them games, but that could change if they can pull off a blockbuster deal with the Chicago Bulls for Zach Lavine and Nikola Vucevic. With Chicago wanting to begin a rebuild, both Lavine and Vucevic have been on the trade block since the offseason and are expected to be traded before the deadline in February.

In a possible trade, the Magic could send Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, Jett Howard, Gary Harris and draft picks to Chicago for Lavine and Vucevic. This trade could not take place until Jan. 6 due to Isaac’s recently signed restriction, but that would be perfect timing for Orlando as Banchero should be back on the court by then.

According to Elaine Blum’s article on FanSided, the Magic are likely to move on from Anthony and Howard before the trade deadline due to their lack of playing time in Orlando.

With Orlando trading them to Chicago, they would both see bigger roles and would be key parts of the Bulls' rebuild. For the Magic, adding a great scorer in Lavine would help them immensely offensively. Despite his injury history, Lavine has started off the season strong and is currently averaging 21.6 points per game and is shooting 50.5% from the field and 42.0% from three.

Vucevic would also add another great scorer and size to a team that desperately needs it. In 15 games, the former Magic center is averaging 20.7 points and 9.9 rebounds per game while shooting 59.4% from the field and 48.4% from three.

While this trade may not make the Magic the best team in the East, it does fix their offensive problems. With an upgraded offense to go with their elite defense, Orlando might be a sneaky team to represent the East in the NBA Finals.

More NBA: Heat could build new Big 3 with blockbuster trade for Clippers' All-Star forward