NBA Rumors: Magic Big Man "Readily Available" In Trade

With the return of Jonathan Isaac after a 2½ year absence, the Orlando Magic's stockpile of big men got even... bigger. With no less than seven players 6'10" or taller, the team will have a tough time getting minutes for all of them. 

Not surprisingly, at least one has found his name in rumors as we approach the trade deadline, and according to Kevin O'Connor of The Ringer, Mo Bamba is indeed "readily available in a trade."

Bamba has seen his minutes cut significantly this season, from a career-high of 25.7 last year, to just 17.4 per game in the current campaign. Accordingly, his scoring is down over three points per game, to 7.3, and his rebounding is down well over three ticks, to just 4.8 per game. But he can still fill it up from three, shooting it at over 38% for the second straight year. 

Franz Wagner is 6’10”
Paolo Banchero is 6’10”
Wendell Carter Jr. is 6’10”
Jonathan Isaac is 6’10”
Mo Wagner is 6’11”
Mo Bamba is 7’0”
Bol Bol is 7’2”

The amount of length and versatility on a healthy Magic roster is otherworldly. pic.twitter.com/aUCJGWcJul

— The Lead (@TheLeadSM) January 23, 2023

The 24-year-old Bamba signed a 2-year, $20.6M contract in the offseason with the Magic, but the second year is not guaranteed. He would make an intriguing addition to a number of teams looking for some rim protection and floor spacing from a big man. He averaged 1.7 blocked shots per game last season. The 7-footer has been a "trade candidate to watch" since last month. 

O'Connor thinks the Clippers would be a prime suitor, as they're in need of a backup big behind Ivica Zubac. Others linked to Bamba include the Miami Heat, Brooklyn Nets and Toronto Raptors.

 Photo: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports