This Jazz-Magic trade proposal sends Cole Anthony to Utah

One NBA writer is proposing that the Utah Jazz acquire point guard Cole Anthony from the Orlando Magic this summer.

Greg Swartz of Bleacher Report proposed that the Jazz trade veteran small forward Rudy Gay and the 16th overall pick in the 2023 draft to the Magic for Anthony.

“A starter for much of his first two seasons in Orlando, Anthony came off the bench in 56 of his 60 games this year,” Swartz wrote. “If the Magic continue to go with Markelle Fultz, Utah should pursue Anthony as its next potential franchise point guard. The 23-year-old is averaging 15.5 points, 5.2 rebounds and 5.1 assists in 103 career starts and shot a personal-best 36.4 percent from three this past season.

“Orlando does this deal for the No. 16 overall pick this season, although Gay can serve as a veteran mentor for the young forwards on this roster as well.”

The Magic selected Anthony with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 draft out of UNC. The 23-year-old averaged 13.0 points, 4.8 rebounds and 3.9 assists this season while shooting 45.4% from the field, 36.4% from beyond the arc and 89.4% from the free-throw line.

Anthony only started four games this season for the Magic, who have former No. 1 overall pick Markelle Fultz ahead of him on the depth chart. Cole could start in Utah alongside All-Star Lauri Markkanen, center Walker Kessler, guard Ochai Agbaji and forward Talen Horton-Tucker.

The son of Greg Anthony, Cole has career averages of 14.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 4.6 assists. It will be interesting to see what the Magic do this summer. They have the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft and a bright core, headlined by Fultz, Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, talented swingman Franz Wagner, forward Bol Bol and big man Wendell Carter Jr.