Sexton to Orlando?

Orlando, FL— With the NBA trade deadline on the near horizon, Feb. 6 to be exact, the Orlando Magic have been connected to many high-profile names, but I believe that Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton is the most realistic and desirable trade target. 

State of the Utah Jazz

At just 26 years old, you may be wondering why the Utah Jazz would feel inclined to trade Sexton in the first place, but it comes down to the current state of the Jazz organization. 

Utah, who’s currently sitting with a record of 10-35 and in last place in the Western Conference, the Jazz are trying to tank for the number one pick in hopes of landing Duke standout Cooper Flagg. Utah also has a crowded backcourt with other promising young players such as Keyonte George, Isaiah Collier, and Brice Sensabaugh making Sexton more expendable with his potential value on the trade market.

Utah Jazz Collin Sexton showing off his ball handling skills

Contract and Cap Space

When taking a look at the contract and cap situation, Sexton is on a very team-friendly team deal, 4-years $70 million, and is under contract through the end of the 2026 season. The Magic are currently 27th in the NBA in terms of total cap allocations according to Sportrac, and this would align with the Magic’s cap situation in the present day and the long term. 

After having re-signed two of their emerging stars in Jalen Suggs (5yrs-$150.5 million) and Franz Wagner (4-$224 million) this offseason, the question surrounding the Magic in terms of cap space is how they will go about surrounding their big three with the right role players around them. Paolo Banchero will be eligible for a rookie supermax contract extension this offseason, and he will absolutely get that contract from the organization. 

Why the Magic Should Trade for Sexton

Collin Sexton is a perfect fit in Orlando for a multitude of reasons. Since coming out of Alabama back in 2018, he’s had a reputation as a tenacious defender, someone who plays with his heart on his sleeve, he’s a combo guard who can score on all three levels, and all of these traits would fit seamlessly with the culture and needs in Orlando. 

The Magic are currently one of the worst offenses in the game of basketball as they rank 30th in points per game, three-point shooting, and effective field goal percentage. Orlando is also towards the bottom of the league as they rank 28th in field goal percentage, 29th in offensive efficiency, and 26th in free throw percentage. 

Although the Magic have been decimated with injuries and that is a contributing factor, this team struggles mightily on that side of the ball most nights and Sexton would be a huge boost on the offensive end. 

Utah Jazz guard Collin Sexton showing off his shooting range

Sexton this season in 43 games is averaging 18.6 points, 4.1 assists, 2.9 rebounds, and is shooting an efficient 47.9% from the field and 41.4% from behind the arch. What won’t show up in the box score is his willingness to pick up full court, make hustle plays on the floor, and consistently bring energy to his team, very similar to what we see with Suggs in Orlando. 

Mock Trade for Orlando to Acquire Sexton

Jeff Weltman and the Magic organization highly value the chemistry and continuity of the locker room, and rightfully so. They’ve done a tremendous job developing talent, acquiring the right talent, and bringing guys into that locker room that have a unique bond with one another. 

But if the Magic are willing to sacrifice a piece or two of that locker room for a low-risk, high-reward situation with Sexton potentially being available via trade, they absolutely should make a move for him. Not only is Sexton going to fit in seamlessly with the ‘Magic standard’ but he’s going to be an additional body that will help this team, especially come postseason time.  

CEO of Basketball Operations Danny Ainge for the Utah Jazz is a mastermind at getting a ton of value in return for his trades and this situation may be no different. We’ve seen the haul Ainge got back from Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell, and even more recently acquiring a highly sought-after Phoenix Suns 2031 first-round pick.

In terms of a mock trade, I may be lowballing the offer, but in terms of what’s realistic for both sides, I believe that Orlando could get this deal done with two players like Jett Howard and Gary Harris while also throwing in the 2025 first-round pick from Denver which is top-five protected. Not saying Utah wants Gary Harris, but whatever they decide to do with him afterward, keep him or cut him, is up to them to make the cap work,

This works in terms of the cap space for both teams as it alleviates Orlando from Gary Harris’ contract (2yrs-$14 million), and Jett Howard could be a solid developmental piece for the Jazz, as they continue to stockpile draft capital. Orlando now acquires a young, proven, and ascending guard in Sexton who realistically should be entering the prime of his career in the near future.

This trade makes all too much sense for the Magic to help bolster this team right now and for the future of this team. I strongly doubt that Orlando will be breaking up this locker room at the deadline, but if they did for one player, I believe it should be for Collin Sexton.