On X (formerly Twitter), Bill Simmons, a well-known media personality in the sports industry, proposed a trade: The LA Clippers receive Franz Wagner and Anthony Black, while giving the Orlando Magic Darius Garland and Derrick Jones Jr. At first glance, this trade may look lopsided. But on second thought, it might be a win-win for both teams.
How so? Well, for the Clippers, the explanation isn't really needed. They’d be getting much younger with Wagner and Black (the Magic opted not to extend), which would help the youth movement they’re currently in. Orlando, though, would get a dual-threat, All-Star-level point guard in Garland, which they have needed for years. In addition, Jones Jr. could make a significant difference on both ends of the floor, even though he is just a role player.
Darius Garland and Derrick Jones Jr. would do wonders for the Magic
By agreeing to this trade proposed by Bill Simmons, the Orlando Magic resolve a weakness they’ve had for quite some time: the need for a point guard. This has been one of the main reasons the Magic haven’t gone far in the playoffs over the years. Darius Garland is one of the league's best at impacting the game through scoring and playmaking.
This season, Garland is averaging 20.9 points and 6.6 assists, shooting 46.5% from the field and 36.4% from beyond the arc (on 6.9 attempts per game).
These numbers are pretty impressive, and in Orlando, the 26-year-old would fit like a glove in a system starring a first-option star in Paolo Banchero, a defensive specialist in Jalen Suggs, and a scoring machine in Desmond Bane.
Getting Garland is only half the story; Derrick Jones Jr. in Orlando would improve their odds of competing significantly.
So far, through almost ten games with the Clippers, Jones Jr. is playing like a top-five role player. He’s been phenomenal on defense, per usual, and is doing so while averaging 11.6 points, shooting 51.7% from the field and 50.0% from beyond the arc.
Bill Simmons’ trade idea gives the Clippers the youth they need
On the opposite side of the trade, the LA Clippers receive Franz Wagner and Anthony Black.
Wagner might be the star of the trade, as, when healthy, he’s been playing at an All-Star level since his fourth season, but we can’t overlook Black’s talent.
This season, he’s off to an excellent start, hinting at a career year, with averages of 15.2 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, shooting 50.0% from the field and 45.5% from beyond the arc. Not to mention, the former lottery pick has been one of the Magic’s best defenders.
Aside from how great they are as players, what makes this package so appealing for the Clippers is the age of Wagner (25) and Black (22).
Adding these two to a core that consists of Keaton Wagler, Yanic Konan Niederhauser, Baba Miller, Kobe Sanders, and Jordan Miller strengthens the Clippers’ future tremendously.
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