Photos for Headline Surfer /
TOP: Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero were invaluable to the Orlando Magic in the 2024-25 NBA season, ending with a first-round loss in five games to the Boston Celtics.
LEFT: Season stats for Banchero and Wagner, the Orlando Magic's 1-2 punch in the 2024-25 NBA season.
By HENRY FREDERICK / Headline Surfer
ORLANDO, Fla. -- The Orlando Magic are transitioning into a new phase after making their first playoff appearance in recent history.
The Magic will focus on building around their young core, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, and making roster upgrades through trades rather than free agency. They will also need to make tough decisions about the current roster, deciding who to keep and who to move.
Key Areas of Focus:
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Roster Upgrades:
The Magic will likely make trades to acquire a point guard who can run the offense alongside Banchero, adding more shooting and reliable depth.
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Draft:
They will look at players like Kyle Filipowski from Duke, Yves Missi from Baylor, Kel'el Ware from Indiana, and Tyler Smith from the G League Ignite.
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Contract Negotiations:
The Magic will need to manage the contracts of players like Moe Wagner, Gary Harris, Cory Joseph, and Caleb Houstan, who have club options this offseason. They must also decide on contract extensions for players like Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr..
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Building a Championship Contender:
The Magic aims to build a roster around Banchero and Wagner that can compete for a championship.
Multimedia video
Headline Surfer YouTube download / Orlando Magic HQ video / Orlando Magic Podcast - “Magic Vibes Only": Team shifting from rebuilding to win-now mode.
The Orlando Magic have yet to win an NBA Championship:
While the Orlando Magic reached the NBA Finals twice, in 1995 and 2009, they did not win.
The Magic have also won eight division titles and two conference championships.
Could the Magic win the NBA championship next year? One should never say never. But it's not likely, considering the Magic finished seventh in the Eastern Conference and won the play-in over Atlanta, only to get bounced in the first round of the playoffs in five games to the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.
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