Why the Trade Works for the Orlando Magic

Since the Orlando Magic used the No. 6 pick in the 2018 NBA Draft to select Mo Bamba, there just hasn’t been a whole lot of room for him at the center position. Nikola Vucevic has since earned one All-Star appearance and doesn’t appear to be slowing down any time soon.

If the Magic do intend to keep Vucevic for the long-term, it would make sense to evaluate the trade market for Bamba. His value is only going to decline the longer he is a backup who isn’t producing strong numbers.

There could be real value with the 2021 first-round pick from the Warriors in this deal. Golden State could end up being in a relatively similar situation as they were last season if Stephen Curry were to go down with an injury. Klay Thompson is already sidelined for the entirety of the 2020-21 season.

There’s not much for upside for Justin Jackson, but he does at least help both teams match salary. He has shown capabilities of being a reliable jump shooter and can help fill the void on the wing if Aaron Gordon slides over to the four with Jonathan Isaac sidelined.