Despite this NBA season having all the makings for a lost season, the Orlando Magic are still able to look at a few positives, with none being bigger than the untapped potential of Mo Bamba. Yes, the former sixth overall pick from the 2018 NBA Draft hasn’t been great for Orlando, but many teams are still interested in Bamba. Bamba’s stats have been disappointing, at 5.2 PPG and 3.2 RPG, but Bamba’s per-36 stats are off the charts! Per 36 minutes, Bamba is averaging 25.7 PPG, 14.9 RPG, and 2.7 BPG. If Bamba was playing 36+ minutes for the Magic, the Magic would be so much better. The Magic have neglected this, and haven’t given him more minutes. If Orlando isn’t going to do anything, why not look for a trade to maximize their return from Bamba. Here are three trade scenarios to do just that for the Magic:
1. Magic Cash Bamba and Fournier in for Four-Time All-Star Demar Derozan

Magic Receive: Demar DeRozan
Spurs Receive: Mo Bamba, Evan Fournier, Magic’s 2021 1st Round Pick
Analysis: It may seem like a lot to give up, but DeRozan has been quietly putting together his best season with the Spurs since 2018. In 23 games, DeRozan is averaging 20.2 PPG, 5.1 RPG, and 6.7 APG, while shooting 48.6% from the field and 33.3% from downtown. For the Magic, the fit is perfect, since DeRozan gives the Magic someone who can facilitate the offense and create offense for himself when Nikola Vucevic goes to the bench. Together, Vucevic and Derozan should keep the Magic in the race for the eighth seed in the East. As for the Spurs, they take a low risk-high reward situation with getting Bamba, as Gregg Popovich and LaMarcus Aldrige can help jumpstart Bamba’s development. Fournier also replaces DeRozan as a valuable veteran in the backcourt, and makes the money work, while the 2021 1st Round Pick from the Magic seals the deal.
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