‘Unfair’ mock trade bolsters Magic’s title hopes amid growing NBA trade rumors

Despite injuries to superstars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Orlando Magic are 19-12 and are fourth in the Eastern Conference. Once their two best players get healthy, Orlando is expected to ride their defense-first approach into the playoffs and be the premier young upstart team in the postseason.

Injuries are seemingly not enough to keep the Magic down, and their young core is poised to be one of the most dominant groups in the league for the next several seasons. With Wagner and Banchero missing time already, Jalen Suggs and a motley crew of role players have done their best to keep Orlando afloat to much success.

However, once Banchero and Wagner return, the Magic will be must-watch TV on a nightly basis. One proposed trade target would make Orlando even more exciting, provided they can stay healthy. If Orlando wants to make a splash, they could target Zion Williamson.

“With plenty of assets to work with, I would imagine that trading for Zion could be viewed as an intriguing thought for the Magic,” wrote FanSided’s Michael Saenz on Tuesday. “As a player who could add another layer of dominance in the frontcourt, Zion could represent a dynamic addition to Wagner and Banchero. If Zion could remain healthy, he'd be a borderline unfair addition to a young, talented team like the Magic.”

A starting lineup of Suggs, Banchero, Wagner, Williamson and Moritz Wagner (who is also injured) would be physically dominant and nearly impossible to score on. 

Between Cole Anthony, Tristin da Silva, Anthony Black and plenty of draft capital, the Magic are a realistic landing spot for Williamson, and if he can stay healthy the Magic would be immediate title threats. 

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