Who has the best young core in the NBA? It’s an interesting debate. It doesn’t have a definitive answer – after all, we don’t know who young players will become. Still, if your answer is the Orlando Magic, we won’t hold that against you.
After all, Paolo Banchero looks like a franchise player. Franz Wagner isn’t far off of that mark either. Meanwhile, young players like Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, and others are flashing potential. The Magic are on the rise.
On the other hand, you may prefer the San Antonio Spurs. They may not have the same depth of young talent, but Victor Wembanyama is the most exciting young player in the league. Could they make a play for some of the Magic’s young players by sending them Keldon Johnson?
The Trade Proposal
San Antonio Spurs receive: G Markelle Fultz, F/C Wendell Carter Jr.
Orlando Magic receive: G/F Keldon Johnson, F Doug McDermott
With that said, a young core can, in a sense, get too talented. That may sound counterintuitive. How could an NBA team have too much talent?
Well, every team in the league has a salary cap. Good players tend to take up a large chunk of it. If a team acquires and develops too many quality players, they may not be able to keep them all.
Is that a rich person’s problem? You bet. The ability to pick and choose which young players you’ll keep is a luxury. Still, it’s an issue that has to be dealt with. Should the Magic ship a couple of young players off?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
It’s worth noting that the Magic are bringing a young player in. Johnson is young enough to grow with this core. Moreover, he may be a better fit with this roster than either of the players the Magic are parting with.
This team needs shooting. That’s not a strong suit for Fultz. Carter Jr. is a solid stretch big, but the Magic have looked good with Goga Blitdze in the middle. On the other hand, Johnson is a dynamic shooter who can knock down triples off of the catch or dribble.
For that matter, McDermott is one of the best shooters in the NBA. He’s a veteran, but the Magic are a winning team this year. They should be making win-now moves. Should the Spurs be moving valuable role players?
Why The San Antonio Spurs Do The Deal
By contrast, the Spurs are a lottery team. Yet, this deal may make them better. The Spurs need a point guard, and Wembanyama would seemingly rather play the 4 than the 5. Should they compromise their lottery odds?
We wouldn’t worry about it. Fultz and Carter Jr. won’t save the Spurs’ season. They’re far enough behind in the standings that they’re guaranteed a lottery pick. For the Spurs, this is about adding two pieces for the future.
Fultz is injury-prone, but he’s got a lot of talent. Gregg Popovich could be the perfect coach to harness those abilities. Meanwhile, Carter Jr. should be a perfect fit alongside Wembanyama with his ability to space the floor and defend in space. Following this deal, the Spurs could have the best young core in the NBA.
