According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line in a Substack column, the Orlando Magic may be actively seeking to add a playmaking guard during the upcoming offseason.
Fischer reveals that Orlando showed genuine interest in acquiring De’Aaron Fox before Sacramento traded Fox to the San Antonio Spurs in February.
However, despite this interest, there were no significant negotiations or detailed talks between the Magic and the Kings regarding Fox’s potential move.
Additionally, Fischer notes that Orlando also evaluated Malik Monk as a possible target last summer before Monk ultimately chose to re-sign with Sacramento.
These past pursuits indicate the Magic’s ongoing desire to strengthen their backcourt with dynamic ball handlers.
Recently, reports surfaced suggesting that the Cleveland Cavaliers might entertain trade offers for their star guard Darius Garland.
Even so, sources familiar with the situation told Fischer that no serious conversations have taken place between Cleveland and Orlando about Garland.
Moreover, the Cavs are expected to be hesitant about aiding a fellow Eastern Conference contender by trading him to a direct rival.
Fischer also mentions other potential guard options for Orlando, including Boston Celtics’ Jrue Holiday and Houston Rockets’ Fred VanVleet.
While Holiday is on the market, VanVleet is reportedly expected to remain with Houston for the next season, limiting Orlando’s chances of acquiring him.
Another strategic route Fischer highlights involves the Magic potentially making smaller trades while choosing to decline certain player options.
By doing so, they could clear enough cap space to utilize the $14.1 million non-taxpayer mid-level exception.
This financial flexibility might allow them to pursue players like Nickeil Alexander-Walker, a guard from the Minnesota Timberwolves whom Orlando has reportedly targeted.
Furthermore, Fischer points out that the Magic could explore moving up in the upcoming draft to secure a late lottery pick.
Holding selections No. 16 and No. 25, Orlando already has a crowded roster with 15 players on standard contracts for next season.
Nevertheless, roster changes may be forthcoming if the team decides to decline the sizable team options on Moritz Wagner ($11 million) and Gary Harris ($7.5 million), potentially creating additional flexibility for roster moves.
Southeast Notes: Magic, Jaquez, Battier, Hornets https://t.co/5ryWEKgrQa pic.twitter.com/4eU91Bsg7G
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) June 9, 2025
