A fatal mistake the Magic must fix at the 2025 NBA trade deadline

The The Orlando Magic suffered a decisive loss against the Boston Celtics with the score of 121-94 on Friday night, highlighting a critical weakness that has plagued the team all season. Despite a solid performance from Paolo Banchero, who recently returned from a torn right oblique and finished with 21 points, four rebounds and four assists, the Magic’s struggles from beyond the arc remain their Achilles’ heel.

With the loss, the Magic fell to 23-20 on the season, currently sitting as the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference. Injuries have been a constant problem for the team, with key contributors Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner and Moritz Wagner – who are out for the season with a torn ACL – missing significant time. While Orlando has been able to adjust and remain competitive, their inability to address their glaring perimeter shooting issues threatens to derail their season.

In the loss to the Boston Celtics, the Orlando Magic shot a paltry 5-of-32 from three-point range. This performance is emblematic of their struggles throughout the season, as they rank last in the NBA in three-pointers made (11.3 per game) and three-point shooting efficiency (30.4%). Unlike last season, when three players on the roster shot 39% or better from deep, this year’s team lacks consistent threats on the perimeter. Banchero, the team’s most accurate three-point shooter, is shooting 37.4%.

Cameron Johnson, Collin Sexton emerge as top trade targets for the Magic’s perimeter needs

One potential solution to Orlando’s perimeter woes is Brooklyn Nets forward Cameron Johnson. The Magic is associated with Johnson, with NBA insider Brett Siegel reporting the team’s interest. According to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst, Nets’ asking price for Johnson is ‘high’ and they are under no pressure to move it.

Johnson, 28, is having a career year, averaging 19.6 points, 4.2 rebounds and three assists while shooting 49.9 percent from the field and 42.8 percent from three in 33 games. His ability to stretch the floor and his defensive abilities make him an ideal fit alongside Buncher, Wagner and Suggs. Johnson’s current contract, which pays him $22.5 million annually, runs through the 2026-27 season, making him a long-term asset for the Magic.

Another potential trade target is Utah Jazz guard Colin Sexton. The 26-year-old is averaging 18.3 points, four assists and 2.8 rebounds per game while shooting 48% from the field and a career-high 41.6% from three-point range. Sexton’s ability to create his own shot and his efficiency from beyond the arc will fill Orlando’s two main needs. His contract, which pays him $18.3 million this season and $19.1 million next season, is manageable, and his versatility would allow the Magic to either start him with Suggs or deploy him as a high-scoring sixth man.

Critical trade deadline decisions loom as three-point issues persist

As the Feb. 6 trade deadline approaches, the Orlando Magic face critical decisions on how to bolster their roster. Injuries have prevented the team from fully evaluating the potential of its current lineup, but their league-worst three-point shooting remains a fatal flaw that could doom them in the postseason if not addressed.

Both Johnson and Sexton represent viable solutions to Orlando’s perimeter shooting struggles, but the front office will have to weigh the cost of acquiring either player against their long-term vision for the team. One thing’s for sure: Without significant improvement in their three-point shooting, the Magic risk squandering a promising season.