Magic Explore 7 Trade Deadline Targets to Boost Playoff Push

Orlando looks to add scoring punch, defensive intensity, and veteran leadership ahead of the NBA trade deadline.

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:47am

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The Orlando Magic, currently seventh in the Eastern Conference, are exploring several trade options to bolster their roster for a playoff push. The team is targeting backcourt players who can provide scoring, defense, and veteran experience, including Collin Sexton, Jose Alvarado, Anfernee Simons, Coby White, Ayo Dosunmu, Keon Ellis, and Dennis Schroder.

Why it matters

The Magic are in a tight race for a playoff spot and need to add talent and depth to their backcourt to complement their young core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs. These potential trades could provide an offensive boost, defensive intensity, and veteran leadership to help the team make a postseason push.

The details

The Magic are exploring trades for several guards, including Collin Sexton of the Charlotte Hornets, Jose Alvarado of the New Orleans Pelicans, Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers, Coby White and Ayo Dosunmu of the Chicago Bulls, Keon Ellis of the Sacramento Kings, and Dennis Schroder of the Los Angeles Lakers. Each player would bring a different skillset, from Sexton's scoring to Alvarado's defense to Schroder's veteran experience.

  • The NBA trade deadline is on February 9, 2026.

The players

Collin Sexton

A scoring guard with the Charlotte Hornets who is on an expiring contract, making him a potential trade target for the Magic.

Jose Alvarado

A defensive-minded guard for the New Orleans Pelicans who could provide energy and intensity off the bench for the Magic.

Anfernee Simons

A talented young guard for the Portland Trail Blazers who the Magic have long had interest in acquiring, though a trade may be difficult.

Coby White

A creative scorer and playmaker for the Chicago Bulls who has been involved in trade rumors and could be a good fit in Orlando's backcourt.

Ayo Dosunmu

Another Bulls guard known for his defensive intensity, which would complement the Magic's identity well.

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What’s next

The Magic will need to determine which trade targets best fit their needs and budget ahead of the February 9th trade deadline.

The takeaway

The Magic are in a tight playoff race and need to add talent and depth to their backcourt to complement their young core. These potential trades could provide the scoring punch, defensive intensity, and veteran leadership the team needs to make a postseason push.