Once the NBA regular season ended on May 16th, many of the league’s talented rosters began to plan for the playoffs. For other franchises that missed the playoffs, like the Orlando Magic, their focus shifted on the NBA’s upcoming Draft Lottery. The NBA will hold its annual draft lottery on June 22, and Orlando’s odds are set. With a loss to Philadelphia and a win by Oklahoma City, Orlando secured the best odds to win the lottery at 14%, along with Houston and Detroit. Orlando’s top pick also has a 52.1% chance of landing in the Top Four. The lottery will also determine whether or not Chicago’s first-round pick that Orlando acquired in the Nikola Vucevic Trade will convey. As long as the Bulls’ pick falls outside the Top Four, Orlando will have two top-ten selections. So, there’s a lot on the line for the Magic in the Draft Lottery.
Breakdown of Orlando’s First Round Picks
As previously mentioned, Orlando has the possibility of landing two top-ten picks, including the number one overall selection. If either of Orlando’s picks land in the Top Five, the Magic will be able to land one of the Top Five Prospects in the class. From presumed number one pick Cade Cunningham to college standouts Evan Mobley and Jalen Suggs, Orlando should be able to land at least one draft standout. While Orlando’s own first-round pick’s position is set in stone, the state of Chicago’s pick is much more unknown. As it stands, Chicago is in a tie with New Orleans and Sacramento for the eighth pick. All three teams have a 20.3% chance of landing in the top-4 and a 4.5% chance to land the number one pick. Simply put, there’s a 79.7% chance that Chicago’s pick becomes Orlando. These odds have to feel good for Orlando’s Front Office.
Could Orlando possibly trade either of their First Round Picks?
While this may seem like a bold statement, Orlando’s Front Office should think hard about possibly packaging these picks and their multiple trade exceptions to land a proven star. Along with their likely two top-ten selections, the Magic will also have a $17.2 million Trade Exception from trading Evan Fournier, along with two additional exceptions totaling to $6.4 million. These Trade Exceptions have extreme value, due to letting Orlando absorb any player’s contract that is right at or below $17 million in spite of their cap situation. Using these Trade Exceptions would allow the Magic to acquire something they haven’t had in years: a star. It’s unlikely that Orlando would want to move on from their assets, but it’s still possible nonetheless.
Key Upcoming Dates to Note
June 21-27: NBA Draft Combine
June 22: NBA Draft Lottery
July 29: NBA Draft
