For the last two months, the Orlando Magic have held the fort as the 4th seed in the East. And they’ve been doing it all even without their superstar, Paolo Banchero. He’s been out since October 30 with a torn oblique muscle. The injury derailed Banchero’s electric season start. Before going down, he dropped 31 points on 12-of-22 shooting in a tight 102-99 loss to the Bulls. But now, the Basketball Gods have finally smiled at the 22-year-old forward, as he is about to make a comeback. Soon.

ESPN’s Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania reported: “Paolo Banchero is expected to return to action in one of Orlando’s back-to-back home games Thursday versus Minnesota or Friday versus Milwaukee.”

He has played five games in the 2024-25 NBA season and has averaged 29.0 points on 49.5 percent shooting, 8.8 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per start. Banchero scored a career-high 50 points in a victory over the Indiana Pacers in October. Moreover, he became the first Magic player to score at least 50 points in a game since Tracy McGrady in 2004.

Speaking of the Orlando Magic, the team needs some renovation. But, the problem is, the bosses aren’t fans of spending their money on good trades. However, they might be looking for someone to bolster the team in the case of Paolo Banchero‘s absence. Yes, he’s coming back, but what if he’s away again?

Orlando Magic have the means to make a $34M blockbuster move to back Paolo Banchero, but only if they’re interested

Trade rumors around De’Aaron Fox are heating up as the Sacramento Kings stay competitive despite head coach Mike Brown’s recent ejection. The team is on a three-game win streak but faces uncertainty in a packed Western Conference. Rivals are eyeing Fox, even though Sacramento hasn’t signaled any plans to sell. Meanwhile, the Orlando Magic need a trade to strengthen their roster, with injuries sidelining Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner.

Orlando is in a great position to make a trade, it’s to their collection of assets and financial flexibility. The team holds all their first-round picks, including an additional pick from the Chicago Bulls. With these assets, the Magic theoretically has five tradable first-round picks at their disposal.

Additionally, the team has $20 million in cap space below the luxury tax threshold. This financial leeway allows them to take on more salary without facing restrictions like luxury tax penalties or the harsher rules tied to the NBA’s “aprons.” As Brian Windhorst explained, “They can maneuver, they can do a trade where they take on a lot more money.”

Orlando also has expiring contracts, including Gary Harris, which adds to their trade appeal. On the court, the team has a clear need for more offense, especially in shooting. These factors make the Magic one of the rare teams in the NBA capable of “buying” at the trade deadline while still holding onto the flexibility and assets that most contending teams lack.

But as said before, all of this trade depends on President Jeff Weltman who would surely want to solidify his team with or without Paolo Banchero in the lineup. You cannot depend on one player and their offenses are anyway on the troubled side. Moreover, De’Aaron Fox would be a brilliant addition to the Magic, given his performance so far in the ongoing season. There’s time until Feb 6, so will Orlando Magic make a move? Or will the team maintain their old habits? We’ll get to know soon.