Had the Orlando Magic been eliminated in the Play-In tournament, they could have potentially considered seismic changes. And if they did that, Jalen Suggs could have been a very intriguing trade target for the Minnesota Timberwolves to consider. Not only would he make their defense even better, but he could also help their need for additional ball-handling.
Suggs is an elite defender and has shown flashes of decent three-point shooting, too. Pairing him with a guy like Anthony Edwards would create one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA, while also giving Minnesota some great depth at the one, which would be very useful.
Unfortunately, that dream has likely gone out the window.
Magic's Play-In win ended perfect Jalen Suggs trade idea for Wolves
Orlando lost its first Play-In game, falling to the Philadelphia 76ers, who will now enter the NBA Playoffs as the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, earning a date with the Boston Celtics in the first round.
However, they dominated the Charlotte Hornets in the second game, clinching a playoff berth as the No. 8 seed in the East. They’ll take on the one-seeded Detroit Pistons.
If the Magic had lost the game, it would have been an ugly end to an ugly, injury-plagued season. And it may have sparked some significant changes in Orlando.
And with how expensive the Magic’s roster is—they are going to be a second-apron team very, very soon—trading Suggs could make some sense, if they wanted to keep Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner together.
That could have put Suggs on the chopping block. And if he hit the trade market, the Wolves would be wise to check in with Orlando about what it would take to pry him away.
Suggs has missed time these last two years. But when he’s on the court, he’s an absolute menace on the defensive and a guy who can knock down a three when called upon (33.9% from deep this year, 39.7% during his best season in 2023-24).
It would be a bit tricky for the Wolves to make a Suggs trade work. But there would be ways for them to get the job done. A three-team deal that shipped out Julius Randle. Trading Naz Reid. Combining salaries.
It wouldn’t be easy, considering Suggs makes $32.4 million next season, but it would be possible. And it could be an intriguing idea.
However, with the Magic’s win on Friday, it seems likely that Orlando will run it back next season.
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