The Orlando Magic have one of the youngest teams in the league. This season, they started strong, but injuries to key players like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner have plagued their season. As a result, they finished in the Play-In and managed to get the 7th seed. In their first-round matchup against the Boston Celtics, they look severely outmatched. Is Damian Lillard the answer to the Orlando Magic’s struggles?
Orlando Magic’s Big Bet: Damian Lillard the Missing Piece
The Magic had the second-best defense in the league in the regular season. But their offense was among the three worst in the league. They desperately need someone to take more of the offensive load. Packed with young players who play hard and compete, the Magic can only get so far. Now, according to Bovada, the Orlando Magic are the favorite to land Lillard in the offseason.
Here are the betting odds per Bovada: Orlando Magic +150, Miami Heat +200, Los Angeles Lakers +450, Portland Trailblazers +950, and Toronto Raptors +950.
The Orlando Magic are the favorites to land Damian Lillard if he is not with the Milwaukee Bucks next season, per @BovadaOfficial
Orlando Magic +150
Miami Heat +200
Los Angeles Lakers +450
Portland Trailblazers +950
Toronto Raptors +950 pic.twitter.com/fT1aMA9ryA— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 25, 2025
Now, we have to note that betting odds do not guarantee that it will happen or that there is interest between the two teams. Right now, there is no info regarding any communication between the Magic and Bucks regarding a Dame trade. What will happen in the summer, let’s wait and see.
The Bucks Should Be Happy to Sign On This Trade
The Magic and Bucks look like the perfect match for a trade. The Magic have everything that the Bucks need, and Milwaukee has a star with proven playoff experience. The question is whether the Magic will be happy to use their assets for a player who will turn 35 years old in the summer. If they choose to trade for Dame, that can be a low-risk move. He has one more guaranteed year on his contract and a player option for the 2026-27 season.
For the Bucks, trading Dame for two or three players who can contribute would give them more balance. This summer, the Bucks will be faced with plenty of questions, especially if they lose in the first round. The organization will be hard-pressed to improve the team. Their best option might be going the Los Angeles Clippers route, pivoting and turning Dame into two to three role players. The Clippers did the same with Paul George, and they look like a much better team. The Bucks can do the same with Dame and surround Giannis Antetokounmpo with younger and more athletic players.
Is Lillard Option 1 or a Consolation Prize?
The Magic will probably be the dark horse candidate in the offseason to make some big moves. The question is whether they view Lillard as their top target or if he is just a consolation prize. There might be younger players on the market, like Trae Young, for example. Regardless, the Magic are equipped with plenty of young players and first-round picks. They do not have cap space to sign a player outright, so their only way to improve is via trade. If they prioritize Lillard, they can probably get him.
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