The Brooklyn Nets may have the best chance of landing Paolo Banchero if the Orlando Magic put him on the trade block this summer. Brooklyn does not have the rights to their draft pick next season and needs to improve the roster with no benefits to losing another season. Banchero may be the perfect name after Orlando had a disappointing season that featured Paolo and Franz Wagner struggling to get on the same page.
The following trade package was pitched by Bleacher Report and Fadeaway World as the most realistic:
“Nets Receive: Paolo Banchero
Magic Receive: Michael Porter Jr., 2027 First-Round Pick (NYK), 2027 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2029 First-Round Pick (HOU), 2030 First-Round Pick (BKN), 2032 First-Round Pick (BKN)
Brooklyn has an obvious opening for an alpha scorer like Banchero, but it’s also flexible enough to construct a more complementary supporting cast around him. The Nets are already well-stocked with ball-movers, and if they can load up on shooters, they could build a better offensive ecosystem than Banchero has had with the Magic.”
Banchero would give the Nets a dream target to build the franchise around since they currently have zero All-Stars on the roster. Brooklyn would have to give up a fortune for Paolo, and the pitched trade suggests they’ll need to give up five first round picks.
Why Orlando Would Trade Paolo Banchero
Banchero had a difficult season of ups and downs during a time when Orlando hoped to make a big step forward in the Eastern Conference after acquiring Desmond Bane. Both Wagner and Banchero have immense potential and have shown their ability, more so when the other was out.
This season featured the Magic struggling to put together wins when both players were active. Banchero didn’t look like a franchise player until Wagner suffered an injury and increased his role. Orlando may have to eventually cut bait by trading one of the two and building completely around that player.
Wagner has had more injury issues to make his trade value much lower. The Magic could trade Banchero and set themselves up for the future with a plethora of draft picks. Michael Porter would also be a great replacement in the trade to keep the team competitive now.
Nets Might Have Other Trade Targets
Banchero’s younger age makes his value quite high and would require Brooklyn to give up most of their upcoming draft picks. The Nets could opt to take the chance on Ja Morant or Tyler Herro for a much cheaper price of one or two picks.
Bigger names like Giannis Antetokounmpo or Donovan Mitchell could tempt Brooklyn to offer a similar package to add an established superstar. The Nets have many future draft picks acquired from recent trades and have five rookies currently on the roster.
This offseason should see Brooklyn finding a way to at least one or two new cornerstone pieces to improve the roster. Nets management acquired all these future assets with reported plans to become a good team faster than expected. Big trades are needed this summer to make this happen.
Brooklyn Nets Linked To Paolo Banchero With Big Trade Package