Orlando Magic: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope Opens Up on Jayson Tatum's Game 1 Injury Scare Amid Al Horford Backlash 8 Jan 5, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) runs up the floor against the Utah Jazz at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Russell Lansford-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic: Insider Reveals the 2 Key Players That Could Be Traded This Summer to Upgrade

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jun 11, 2025 9:27 AM ET

After another first-round exit in the playoffs, the Orlando Magic plan to retool their roster for the 2025-26 campaign. Renowned NBA analysts Kevin O’Connor and Chris Mannix believe the team is a few pieces away from being a legitimate contender in the Eastern Conference.

O’Connor said on his podcast that the Orlando Magic are considering parting ways with Jonathan Isaac and Cole Anthony to upgrade their squad.

“I’ve heard they (Orlando Magic) are open to trading Cole Anthony and Jonathan Isaac with their first for an upgrade there,” O’Connor said on The Kevin O’Connor Show.

Orlando Magic: Insider Reveals the 2 Key Players That Could Be Traded This Summer to Upgrade 7 Jan 9, 2025; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) shoots during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

“They’re defense is championship level. (Paolo) Banchero is good, Franz Wagner is good, they need one more shot maker,” Mannix added. “They’re one shot maker away, one offensive player away from being a top four team again. They’re a team I’d really watch. They’ve got some young pieces out there, they have some draft capital.”

Orlando Magic linked with potential trade for $195 million star

Kevin O’Connor and Chris Mannix floated the idea of the Orlando Magic acquiring Lauri Markkanen from the Utah Jazz. Markkanen will earn at least $46 million over the next four seasons, including $53.5 million in the final year.

Utah Jazz: Jordan Clarkson Shares Honest Expectations for Role in 2025-26 Squad 1 Mar 17, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) shoots a technical free throw during the first quarter against the Chicago Bulls at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

“There’s certainly a debate about whether or not he can transform, let’s say Orlando, for example,” Mannix said. “Does he turn Orlando into a top-tier team in the Eastern Conference? A team that needs that kind of offensive boost? I don’t know the answer to that, but I do think that Utah has no use for Lauri Markkanen.”

Markkanen averaged 19.0 points, 5.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists on 42.3 percent shooting from the field in 47 regular season starts. The Finnish international had dealt with back and knee injuries this year.