There’s no doubt that the 2021 NBA Draft will be one of the most pivotal drafts in recent memory. Except for the Detroit Pistons at No. 1 overall, the teams that follow will have a tough decision to make when they are on the clock. The best example of this is the Cleveland Cavaliers, who currently own the third pick. Over the last three drafts, Cleveland has taken three guards in Collin Sexton, Darius Garland, and Isaac Okoro. So, selecting NBA G-League standout Jalen Green wouldn’t make much sense, right? Well, Cleveland can’t exactly go with USC alumni Evan Mobley, as they already have Jarrett Allen, Kevin Love, and Larry Nance Jr. Therefore, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Cleveland is open to trading down in the draft. What is surprising is that the Orlando Magic and the Toronto Raptors are reportedly interested in trading up with Cleveland.
“League sources say the Cavaliers have received significant trade interest for this selection, and the [Toronto] Raptors and [Orlando] Magic—the next two teams up to pick—have made offers to move up,” Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer said.
While Cleveland may not trade down, what exactly would Orlando have to give Cleveland to acquire the third overall selection? Even if Orlando does get the third pick, would it be worth it in the long term?
Would it be in Orlando’s best interest to trade up to the third pick?
In short, yes and no. If the Magic trade up for the third pick, they’ll have to sacrifice both of their lottery picks (No. 5 and No. 8). Orlando will also have to trade one of their veterans or former draft picks. A few names to watch are Terrence Ross, Gary Harris, and 2018 first-round pick Mo Bamba. If Orlando doesn’t want to trade their veterans, they could always deal their future draft picks. So, if Orlando wants Mobley, Suggs, or Green, they’d need to go all in to get one of those three prospects. This isn’t a problem with all of their assets, but Orlando would be heavily invested in their 2021 draft pick’s future. With this said, here are two possible trade packages the Magic can put together to move up in the draft:
Orlando’s First Trade Package to Cleveland
Orlando Receives: Third Overall Pick, SF Tauren Prince
Cleveland Receives: SG/SF Terrence Ross, No. 5 Overall Pick, and No. 8 Overall Pick
Analysis: If the Cavaliers are going to accept any trade offer from the Magic, they’ll have to include the fifth and eighth overall picks. While giving up two top-ten picks to move up two spots may seem like a lot (it is), the Magic don’t have many players that would have high value to Cleveland. One player that Cleveland may love to acquire is Terrence Ross. Ross is an efficient scoring option off the bench who just put up a career-best 15.6 PPG and 2.3 APG last season. Ross also had his best shooting splits last season, going 41.2% from the field and 33.7% from downtown. Finally, Ross’ price-tag is team-friendly, as he’s set to make $24 million over the next two seasons. In Cleveland, Ross would be their main source of offense off the bench. Orlando would receive the third pick and Tauren Prince, just to match Ross’ salary.
Orlando’s Second Trade Package to Cleveland
Orlando Receives: SF Cedi Osman, PG/SG Matthew Dellavandova, and Third Overall Pick
Cleveland Receives: C Mo Bamba, No. 5 Overall Pick, and No. 8 Overall Pick
Analysis: If Orlando isn’t willing to give up Ross, then why not try to trade Mo Bamba? Bamba has clearly struggled in his limited playing time with Orlando, and the Magic did acquire Wendell Carter Jr. in the Nikola Vucevic trade. Despite this, Bamba has still shown flashes of his potential, as he averaged 8.0 PPG and 5.8 RPG in just 15.8 MPG. Bamba would be a good insurance policy if Jarrett Allen leaves in Free Agency. As for the Magic, they would receive Osman and Dellavandova, who would fit in as the team’s veterans. Dellavandova’s production has been consistent as a facilitator, totaling 1,649 assists over his nine-year career. Osman would serve as a scorer who could continue to develop his game with a change of scenery in Orlando. This would be a “win-win” trade for Cleveland and Orlando.