As the 2024 NBA offseason approaches, teams are strategizing on how to bolster their rosters for the upcoming season and beyond. This hypothetical three-team trade brings together the 2023 champions Denver Nuggets, the promising Orlando Magic, and the Atlanta Hawks, who are looking to reconfigure their roster. Here’s a deep dive into the potential trade and its impact on each team.
The Proposed NBA Trade
Magic Receive: Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr.
Magic Lose: Jonathan Isaac, Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, 2025 first-round pick, 2027 first-round pick, 2029 first-round pick
Hawks Receive: Cole Anthony, Anthony Black, 2024 first-round pick (Denver), 2025 first-round pick (Orlando), 2027 first-round pick (Orlando), 2029 first-round pick (Orlando)
Hawks Lose: Trae Young, Bogdan Bogdanović, 2030 first-round pick swap (Denver)
Nuggets Receive: Jonathan Isaac, Bogdan Bogdanović, 2030 first-round pick swap
Nuggets Lose: Michael Porter Jr., 2024 first-round pick
This trade structure benefits each team by addressing specific needs, adding depth, and creating flexibility for future moves.
Orlando Magic: Boosting the Offense
Orlando Magic aims to elevate their game by adding Trae Young and Michael Porter Jr. Despite a promising duo in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, the Magic struggled offensively, ranking 22nd in points per 100 possessions and 30th in three-pointers per game. The arrival of Trae Young and Porter Jr. could transform their offense.
Trae Young, known for his playmaking and pick-and-roll proficiency, would create numerous scoring opportunities for Banchero and Wagner. Meanwhile, Porter Jr.’s elite shooting would stretch defenses, providing much-needed spacing. Although giving up significant assets like Jonathan Isaac and multiple first-round picks is hefty, the potential for immediate playoff success could be worth the investment.
Atlanta Hawks: Rebuilding with Youth and Picks
The Hawks’ experiment with the Trae Young-Dejounte Murray backcourt hasn’t yielded the desired results. Trading Young and Bogdanović for a package that includes young talents like Cole Anthony and Anthony Black, along with four first-round picks, offers a fresh start.
This haul provides Atlanta with the flexibility to either develop a young core or package these assets in future trades. With Murray and Jalen Johnson showing promise when Young was off the floor, the Hawks could remain competitive while retooling their roster for long-term success.
Denver Nuggets: Depth and Versatility
The Denver Nuggets, fresh off a 2023 championship, need to navigate the NBA’s new collective bargaining rules, which make retaining a championship core challenging. Trading Michael Porter Jr. for Jonathan Isaac and Bogdan Bogdanović could be a strategic move.
Isaac brings defensive versatility and rim protection, addressing a longstanding need for the Nuggets. Bogdanović adds playmaking and shooting, helping to sustain offensive flow when Nikola Jokić rests. This trade, coupled with the development of Trae young players like Christian Braun and Peyton Watson, could position Denver for sustained success while managing salary cap constraints.
A Win-Win-Win Scenario
This three-team trade offers a balanced solution that caters to the needs of the Magic, Hawks, and Nuggets. Orlando gains offensive firepower, Atlanta acquires valuable assets for rebuilding, and Denver enhances its depth and versatility. As the offseason unfolds, trades like this could reshape the NBA landscape, setting the stage for an exciting 2024-25 season.
