As the NBA season unfolds, the league’s pecking order becomes established. We know who the contending teams in each Conference are. We also know who the basement dwellers are. In between, some teams are still trying to establish their place in the hierarchy.
Take the Orlando Magic. At the beginning of the season, they looked like one of the best teams in the Eastern Conference. The Magic have since cooled off. Still, this young team has to be happy with their progress in 2023-24.
By contrast, the Brooklyn Nets may not be happy with their season. This team is mediocre. Meanwhile, the Nets don’t even have control of their next several draft picks. Could they shake things up by sending Cameron Johnson to the Magic?
The Trade Proposal
Brooklyn Nets receive: G Markelle Fultz, G/F Gary Harris
Orlando Magic receive: F Cameron Johnson
The league-wide landscape is beginning to unfold. We’re also seeing what each team is made of. By now, we can see what strengths each team has – and what flaws as well.
The Magic have a lot of talent. They have an elite defense. The Magic have plenty of playmaking on their roster as well. With that said, the Magic desperately need shooting.
As for the Nets? They need a lot. The Nets are generally lacking offensive talent. There are good players on this roster, but they’re lacking in primary creation. Does Fultz help?
Why The Brooklyn Nets Do The Deal
In theory, sure. Fultz is a dynamic playmaker. His ability to put pressure on the rim and set up teammates would give the Magic a different look than they’ve had throughout the season. Meanwhile, they have a surplus of 3-and-D wings – they can spare Johnson.
They’d have plenty of incentive to move him. Nicolas Claxton is due for an extension this summer. The Nets’ salary sheet is messy. Here, they’re taking back two expiring contracts. If the Nets think that Claxton is more important to their future than Johnson, this deal makes a lot of sense.
That doesn’t mean that they’re flipping Johnson for a pair of rentals. Fultz’s injury history could keep his contract value down this summer – the Nets may resign him. In essence, they’re flipping one of the league’s better 3-and-D wings for a much younger and less expensive player at a position of need. Should the Magic part with Fultz?
Why The Orlando Magic Do The Deal
The Nets could use Fultz. The Magic don’t need him. Between Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black and Cole Anthony, they’re good at that position. Meanwhile, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner offer the Magic plenty of playmaking as well.
Again – the Magic need shooting. Johnson is one of the more reliable floor spacers in the NBA. The Magic could be concerned about a surplus of wing depth, but they shouldn’t be. Between the positional versatility of Banchero, Wagner, and Johnson, the Magic will find time for Johnson.
They’ll be a better team as a result. The Magic already have playoff seeding. If they add one of the best shooters in the league, they could win a series or two. That would change this young team’s place in the league’s pecking order.
