Can Anfernee Simons Assist Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner to Enhance Magic’s Offense?

Following a promising 12 months below the management of younger stars Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Orlando Magic are set to make the subsequent soar. The precedence? A scoring playmaker who can put their offense to the subsequent degree and supply the franchise with its first playoff collection victory since 2010.

NBA insider Marc Stein stories that Orlando might need their sights set on a homegrown product — Portland Trail Blazers guard Anfernee Simons.

Anfernee Simons Trade Rumors Are Getting Hot

Magic’s offense principally relied on its massive males and forwards, with Banchero, Wagner, and Wendell Carter Jr. on the scoring unit. However, their backcourt offense stays weak, and it can not match what the frontcourt squad can contribute.

According to NBA insider Marc Stein, the 25-year-old Simons, who’s an Orlando native, has develop into a important goal of the Magic. Stein not too long ago said that Simons, a former backcourt tandem of Damian Lillard, is rising as a commerce candidate as his skill to attain and his age match into Banchero (22) and Wagner (23).

Simons averaged 19.3 factors and 4.8 assists throughout the 2024 NBA season. While barely decrease than his consecutive 20+ level seasons, his scoring reliability makes him an ideal third possibility. His presence would take a number of the playmaking stress off Banchero and provides the Magic a dynamic scoring guard who can house the ground.

With Portland in retool mode and Simons’ title constantly talked about in commerce discussions alongside his teammates, comparable to DeAndre Ayton and Matisse Thybulle, an Orlando transfer might be a win-win.

Tyus Jones Also on Orlando’s Radar

As a lot as Simons gives youth and scoring punch, Orlando may also look one other approach: veteran steadiness. Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox linked the Magic with Phoenix Suns guard Tyus Jones as a practical and budget-friendly alternative.

Jones, who signed a one-year, $3 million contract with Phoenix, averaged 10.2 factors and 5.3 assists. Although he had a stable run with the Wizards throughout 2023–24 by which he reached profession highs, Jones struggled for taking part in time in Phoenix behind Bradley Beal and have become pissed off together with his position.

Nevertheless, his skill to run an offense, guard the ball, and play clever basketball makes him a prize value pursuing.

Jones, at age 28, gives a mixture of veteran savvy and younger pace that’s uncommon. His constant availability, having performed a minimal of 65 video games in eight consecutive seasons, is a bonus.

Why the Magic Needs a Lead Guard This Offseason

The Magic had been among the many worst three-point capturing groups within the NBA and continuously had bother discovering offense late in video games. Having a constant ball handler who can create off the dribble, stretch the ground, and take a number of the offense away from Paolo Banchero and Wagner is important for Orlando’s future.

Both Simons and Jones carry completely different belongings: Simons brings scoring punch and long-term potential, and Jones brings expertise, composure, and constant play. Either of them will be the lacking ingredient that makes Orlando a reputable playoff contender.