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NBA Trade Idea Gives Magic a Promising Backup Center

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 8, 2025 8:00 AM ET

The Orlando Magic found it difficult with their frontcourt depth in the 2025 NBA playoffs. The team's starting center, Wendell Carter Jr., did plenty on both ends. Carter didn't have his usual backup in Mo Wagner, as he was recovering from an ACL tear he suffered in December 2024.

Because of the Magic's lack of depth, a trade idea from Zach Roberts of the Charlotte Hornets on SI links the team with the Charlotte Hornets. According to Roberts, trading Anthony Black and a couple of picks could give Orlando a decent center in Mark Williams.

Williams may not have any experience in the postseason, but he's proven he can produce at an elite level.

"In this deal, the Hornets would send Williams and a 2031 second-round pick (Charlotte's own) for Anthony Black and a bevy of second-round picks," Roberts wrote. "Black is a decent, young player, but he's not on Williams' level. The Magic would send their 2026 and 2027 second-round picks as well as Washington's 2028 and New Orleans' 2030 second-rounders."

Williams wrapped up his third year and averaged 15.3 points and 10.2 rebounds. His production for the Hornets is what caught the attention of the Los Angeles Lakers. The former Duke player was almost traded to the Lakers after they shipped Anthony Davis to Dallas for Luka Doncic.

However, there is a downside to trading for Williams. The trade with the Lakers wasn't finalized after he failed his physical. Additionally, the young big man has a history of health problems.

In his young career, the big man has not completed a full season when he played at least 50 games. The most games Williams has appeared in a season was 44 during the 2024-25 campaign.

Even with that, he's shown plenty of promise and can help the Magic with their frontcourt needs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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