After a 118-104 defeat to Milwaukee in game 5, the Magic have now officially lost in 5 games in the 1st round 2 years in a row. This can be seen as a positive step for the franchise, as before the 2018-19 season the Magic went 6 straight seasons outside the playoffs, however, there is a feeling that this current Magic roster has hit a ceiling. Yes, having no Isaac or AG for the entire series was a big blow but it is safe to assume the Magic still would have lost even with those 2 in the line up.

With Jonathan Isaac tearing his ACL and most likely missing the entire 2020-21 season, securing a 3rd straight playoff berth becomes increasingly difficult task and that is why this Magic team needs a soft reset with the idea to reload and go for the playoffs in 2021-22 when Isaac returns from his injury.

I don't think the Magic should tank, as Clifford has built up a good culture in Orlando, as evidenced by the fact that even when the games became ugly the team did not quit against Milwaukee. The Magic need to offload their veteran players and use next season as an opportunity to play the young guys and help their development while still fighting for wins.

Here are some of the moves I would consider:

Aaron Gordon

Aaron Gordon to Phoenix for Cam Johnson, 10th overall pick

This is a trade I think makes sense for both sides. The Suns will look to build off their incredible bubble performance and get into the playoffs next season and I think Gordon helps them do that. He is a good fit next to Ayton and an upgrade over Saric, plus this gives Phoenix 2 athletic switchy wings in Oubre and Gordon. A starting line up of Rubio, Booker, Oubre, Gordon, Ayton with players like Jevon Carter and Mikal Bridges coming off the bench can compete for the playoffs.

As for the Magic, giving up on AG isn't easy but they get back a 6'8 forward who shot 39% from 3 on 5 attempts per game as a rookie and a top 10 pick in a deep draft. Cam Johnson is a player I have liked since his days at UNC and adds some much needed shooting to Orlando. Against Milwaukee, the inability to consistently knock down 3 point shoots killed the Magic and Johnson can help with that problem.

Nikola Vucevic

Nikola Vucevic to Chicago for Otto Porter, Wendell Carter

Nikola Vucevic has put up back to back borderline elite seasons and shook off last years tough playoffs vs Toronto and had an incredible series vs Milwaukee. Now is the time to cash in on Vuc, who doesn't quite fit the timeline for Orlando and is on one of the best contracts in the NBA. Getting Carter from the Bulls won't be easy but I think they would be willing to part with the talented young big man if it meant getting Vucevic in return. They also get some much needed salary cap relief in off loading Otto Porter, a contract I think the Magic can afford to swallow.

For the Bulls, they get one of the better offensive centers in the NBA to put next to Markkanen and Lavine and also get to keep their 4th overall pick. A big 3 of Vucevic, Markkanen and Lavine will help the Bulls have a top 10 offense in the NBA and while they will struggle on defense, their offense should be good enough to get them into the playoffs.

For the Magic, losing Vucevic hurts but Carter is a good, young center to build around. This is not totally giving up on Bamba, as ideally it would be an open competition between him and Carter for the starting center spot, but Bamba hasn't shown enough to prove he will be a consistently good starting center in the NBA while I think Carter has. Taking on the Otto Porter contract isn't ideal but with only 1 year left it isn't a handicap in building this roster and it also gives the Magic a veteran forward that can slide into the starting line up for a season, and who knows maybe Porter gets his career back on track and the Magic can sign him to a cheaper extension.

Evan Fournier

I think it is almost certain Fournier opts in to the last year of his deal. I would try and shop Fournier but I can't see any teams willing to trade for him so I would just keep him for another season and most likely let him walk next summer.

The only deals I can see involving Fournier are minor deals like a cash considerations trade.

Draft

With these moves the Magic are well positioned going into this draft with the 10th,15th and 45th pick. Depending on how the board falls I would be willing to trade up but would be fine with staying put at 10 and 15.

10th pick: Aaron Nesmith, SG/SF, Vanderbilt

I would be hoping to grab Devin Vassell with this pick but assuming he goes before 10 I will happily settle for Nesmith. Nesmith fits along with the theme of the offseason in adding shooters to the roster as the 6'6 forward shot 52% from 3 on 8.2 attempts per game. He also can add value on the defensive end with his 6'10 wingspan.

15th pick: Cole Anthony, PG/SG, UNC

Going into the season many people believed Cole Anthony would be a top 3 pick in this draft, but struggles throughout the year on a bad UNC team has tanked his draft stock. However, at 15 I have no problem taking a chance on the talented guard. Through his struggles with efficiency throughout the season Anthony still flashed his potential as a shot maker and play maker, something this Orlando team desperately needs. Though he was a ball dominant player at UNC, with his skill set I could see him being a valuable player on and off the ball and could see him eventually playing alongside Markelle Fultz in the back court.

If Cole Anthony is gone at 15 I would take Tyrell Terry, the sharp shooter out of Stanford.

45th pick: Jordan Nwora, SF/PF, Louisville

Jordan Nwora was an elite shot maker during his 3 years in college, but his struggles with consistency, play making and defense push him down to the 2nd round. If Nwora can translate his scoring to the NBA level, his offense is good enough to earn him rotation minutes despite his short comings.

2020-21 Roster

PG: Markelle Fultz, MCW, Cole Anthony

SG: Evan Fournier, Terrance Ross

SF: Otto Porter, Aaron Nesmith, Wes Iwundu, Chuma Okeke

PF: Cam Johnson, Aminu, Jordan Nwora (Jonathan Isaac)

C: Wendell Carter, Mo Bamba, Khem Birch

This gives the Magic a roster full of some exciting young players with a mix of solid veterans to keep the team competitive with the hope of returning to the playoffs in 2021-22 with the return of Isaac, where hopefully there are now built to win more than 1 game.