The Orlando Magic entered the season as a team to monitor for the Golden State Warriors in terms of a potential trade partner, and now even more so after an injury to franchise superstar Paolo Banchero.
As reported by ESPN's Shams Charania, Banchero has suffered a low grade ankle sprain that could see him on the sidelines for 4-6 weeks. It's far from ideal for an Orlando team facing some pressure this season, having began with two losses which included a 22-point loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday in which Banchero suffered the injury.
Paolo Banchero injury opens door wider for Warriors-Magic trade
Banchero went for 35 points, seven rebounds and 10 assists in the season opener against the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday, and had 14, six and five in 26 minutes against the Timberwolves before the injury.
The Magic have already admitted they have some tough decisions to make with their roster over the next 12 months, but that timeline could accelerate with poor on-court performances that may now be in store while Banchero remains out.
Orlando are facing a growing payroll with their starting five of Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. all on significant contracts. They subsequently chose not to extend impressive young guard Anthony Black, leaving the 22-year-old to hit restricted free agency next year.
The Warriors themselves have made a poor start after collapsing in the fourth-quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies on Friday night. They too could feel the need to make roster moves sooner rather than later, but unlike the Magic, they actually have significant flexibility in terms of their long-term payroll situation.
Warriors would have interest in multiple Magic players
Golden State are therefore in prime position to be able to help Orlando's financial situation, while more importantly acquiring a rotation or even star level player. The Warriors would have interest in a number of Magic players, starting with Banchero and Wagner if the franchise got to the point of wanting to break up the young duo.
The likes of Suggs and Black may now hold less appeal to Golden State after they signed Brandin Podziemski to a five-year, $110 million contract extension, but Carter may be an intriguing and rising target given their desperate need for a starting center.
Mike Dunleavy Jr. and the front office will surely be monitoring the Magic over the coming weeks while Banchero remains out, with the hope that their tricky financial situation could create an opportunity for the Warriors.
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