The possibility of Paolo Banchero being traded out of Orlando this summer is very high, according to a new report.
While the Orlando Magic star hasn't been the dominant force the team needed as a former No. 1 pick, the 23-year-old is still a very talented player. He showed this with his 38 and 45-point performances in the playoff series against the Detroit Pistons. However, it cannot be denied that he has been the face of a team that has suffered first-round exits in three consecutive seasons.
For now, head coach Jamahl Mosley is taking the blame after being fired on Monday. However, an interesting report from ESPN NBA insiders Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst doesn't look good for Banchero.
"They're kind of a mess. Their ceiling isn't very high with Paolo. Their roster construction is off right now," said one East scout. "...It's hard to see him leading his team."
If scouts feel that way about Banchero, it's likely Magic management feels the same way, especially considering they've played well without him during the season. If Orlando does boldly trade the 2022 No. 1 pick, let's take a look at five teams that could target a trade.
dallas mavericks
Now that Masai Ujiri has been installed as the new president of the Dallas Mavericks, the team will certainly be aggressive in building the roster around last year's No. 1 pick Cooper Flagg. The Mavs have the contracts to make a deal work, but they would have to give up some future first-round picks to garner interest from the Magic. If they do, the combination of Flagg and Banchero will excite Dallas fans for the next five years.
Brooklyn Nets
The Brooklyn Nets desperately need a long-term face of the franchise. Their rebuild has been poor so far, and they don't seem eager to make Michael Porter Jr. the heart of their roster. The Nets certainly have draft assets and interesting young talent. The big question is, does Orlando see a big upside in many of its first-round prospects from last June?
Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings will be aggressive in making changes to their roster this offseason after a disastrous 2025-26 campaign. They have two additional first-rounders in the upcoming draft, including two in 2027. What makes the Kings an interesting trade partner is that Orlando could return future first-rounder and three-time All-Star Domantas Sabonis.
Despite his age (just turned 30) and injury problems this season, the forward and first-rounder would be a nice return for Orlando. While Sactown have got a new young star in the deal.
phoenix sun
The Phoenix Suns made great strides in 2025-26 after being one of the most disappointing teams in the NBA a season ago. New head coach Jordan Ott implemented a more defensive-minded system that would certainly fit with Banchero, as he played for the Magic.
He won't come cheap and may cost him some future first-round picks, but the combo of Banchero and Devin Booker could make Phoenix a force in the West for the next few years.
Chicago Bulls
The Chicago Bulls are going through a major transformation. They have a new front office leader and are looking for a replacement for head coach Billy Donovan. Chicago also needs a proven star to be the face of this new era.
They definitely don't want to trade Josh Giddy or Matas Buzelis. But they could offer multiple first-round picks, including one of their two potential selections in a stacked draft next month. It might not be enough to convince Orlando, but they could work out a pretty good trade package.
