The Orlando Magic are poised to shake up the NBA landscape with a blockbuster trade that could catapult them into serious contention for the 2026 championship. After a season where their guard room struggled to ignite the offense, the Magic’s front office made waves by trading significant draft capital to the Memphis Grizzlies for sharpshooter Desmond Bane. But the Magic aren’t stopping there. With the Eastern Conference ripe for the taking, Orlando is reportedly eyeing another high-octane guard to bolster their roster: Boston Celtics’ star Anfernee Simons.
According to a recent ClutchPoints report, the Magic are considering a bold trade package that would send Jonathan Isaac, Goga Bitadze, and rookie Tristan Da Silva to Boston in exchange for the dynamic $100 million guard. Simons, entering the final year of his four-year contract, could be the missing piece to elevate Orlando’s offense to elite status. While the Celtics are reportedly open to moving Simons before he even plays a game for them—per ESPN insider Brian Windhorst on The Hoop Collective podcast—this potential deal carries high stakes for both franchises.
For the Magic, the appeal is clear. Pairing Simons with their established core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr. would create a formidable lineup. Simons, known for his explosive scoring and silky-smooth shooting, could thrive as one of the NBA’s premier sixth men, injecting instant offense off the bench. Even after acquiring Bane, Orlando’s roster would retain its defensive grit and depth, making them a legitimate threat in a wide-open Eastern Conference. With powerhouses like the Celtics and Pacers dealing with injuries to key superstars, the Magic see a golden opportunity to strike and cement themselves as title contenders.
However, this trade isn’t without risks. Simons’ contract is set to expire at the end of the 2026 season, meaning Orlando could be gambling on a one-year rental. If Simons walks in free agency or demands a massive extension that strains the Magic’s salary cap, the team could be left empty-handed. Yet, the potential reward of adding a player of Simons’ caliber—capable of dropping 20+ points on any given night—makes this a tantalizing proposition for a franchise hungry to make a splash.
The Celtics, meanwhile, appear to be in a state of flux. Windhorst’s report suggests Boston is actively shopping Simons, with multiple teams expressing interest. Trading him for a package including Isaac’s defensive versatility, Bitadze’s rim protection, and Da Silva’s upside could help Boston retool their roster while maintaining flexibility. But for Orlando, this move is about seizing the moment and building a team capable of dominating the East.
As the 2026 season looms, the Magic are clearly all-in on constructing a championship-caliber squad. If they can pull off this deal for Anfernee Simons, the NBA could witness the rise of a new powerhouse in Orlando. Buckle up—this trade could send shockwaves through the league.