The LaVar isn’t playing for the Lakers, so here’s another lottery pick
The Magic do this for a few reason. One reason is that the Magic get four picks. The Magic will acquire one lottery pick in 2018 as the Lakers won’t make the postseason unless LaVar Ball suits up for the Purple and Gold. They will get a first in 2019 as well, which will be great for a front office that has often drafted well (Brandon Jennings, Giannis, Etc.) The two 2nds will allow Orlando to take some fliers on someone who could fall in the draft for injury concerns (Hello Harry Giles) or a European that might not come over for a year or two. Even if the Magic don’t draft two players with the 2nds, they can always deal them in trades.
Related Story: Philadelphia 76ers potential 2nd round trade partners
The Magic will also be able to fully rebuild. A problem with the Magic’s rebuild is that they have not fully embraced the tank. The Magic have only had one top 3 pick in their rebuild and that was in one of the worst drafts in recent memory, 2013. The stars are often in the top 3, and this would give the Magic assets to get to the top 3 or allow them to “tank” their way to the top 3.
The Sixers obviously do this to improve the shooting guard position and get shooting. The Sixers have plenty of picks and will be able to do this trade and not be negatively affected. Plus, the 2018 draft is filled with talented big men at the top of the class, so the 76ers likely will not need this Lakers pick as much as the Sacramento Pick.
Trade 2: Josh Jackson to Orlando, Fournier, and DSJ to Philly
This trade gives Orlando a potential superstar in Josh Jackson, another lottery pick and two 2nds. Not a bad start to a rebuilding process. The future first is a tough pill to swallow, but it will likely be a protected first until maybe five years down the line.
The Sixers do not like Josh Jackson and this trade allows them to get a guy they really like (Dennis Smith Jr), get a shooting guard for the future, Evan Fournier, and get a protected pick.
The asking price is steep for Orlando, but let’s not forget that many teams believe Josh Jackson is the second best prospect in the class by a mile. Josh Jackson is a great prospect. If Orlando wants to take a risk, and please their impatient fans they will do this. I mean this is a team that accidentally leaked what their trade targets were for the offseason.