One of the more intriguing free agents of the 2022 class was Orlando Magic center Mo Bamba. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft received his first chance at extended playing time during the 2021-22 season and made the most of it, putting together a career season.
Bamba showcased the kind of Unicorn skill set that teams desire from their centers as he was a shot blocker capable of shooting 3-pointers. He blocked 1.7 shots per game and connected on 38.1 percent of his 3-point attempts, both career-highs. The 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds and 1.2 assists were also career-bests.
Orlando didn’t extend him a qualifying offer, which led to him becoming an unrestricted free agent this past offseason. Analysts believed that he could be in line for a sizable offer, but none came. Instead, he signed a two-year deal with the Magic worth $20.6 million.
It was an odd re-signing as the Magic added Paolo Banchero to the frontcourt mix as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. They had also committed to Wendell Carter Jr. long-term with a four-year, $50 million deal in 2021.
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Bamba is a top trade target for Orlando. The contract that he signed was in large part to use him as a trade piece as his second season is non-guaranteed.
“The Orlando Magic re-signed Bamba to trade him; at least, that’s how it appears. His role has diminished this season with the arrival of No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero and the emergence of Bol Bol.
Bamba (who can’t be dealt until mid-January) is on a two-year $20.6 million contract, but the second season is non-guaranteed. Orlando would like a first but may be looking for younger players who can grow with its young team longer term.”
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mo Bamba & Orlando Magic Updates
Four teams have been mentioned as potential suitors; the LA Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento Kings and Toronto Raptors. All four teams could certainly use some help in the frontcourt and Bamba would be a solid addition given his skill set.
Ivica Zubac is the only center that the Clippers currently have on their roster as they didn’t replace Isaiah Hartenstein, who signed with the New York Knicks in free agency. The Lakers have mixed and matched in the frontcourt as Anthony Davis is having an MVP season but the center spot otherwise is a weakness.
LATEST NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Mo Bamba & Orlando Magic Updates
Sacramento has a capable backup center in Richaun Holmes but he has not been in the rotation behind Domantas Sabonis, so their interest is peculiar. The Raptors desperately need a big man as they start Pascal Siakam at the center spot currently and the only traditional big man they have is Khem Birch.
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