NBA Intel: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Lakers, Bulls, Timberwolves, Magic

As the first round of the playoffs comes to a close, HoopsHype has gathered the latest intel on Giannis Antetokounmpo , as well as front office and coaching updates for the Lakers, Bulls, Timberwolves, Magic, Pacers, and Wizards. A new Giannis Antetokounmpo trade deadline suitor unveiled What a difference a few months has made for the Orlando Magic . During the season, Orlando dealt with injuries to Franz Wagner , Jalen Suggs , and Anthony Black , which forced all three to miss significant time and played a factor in the team’s Play-In Tournament standing and eventual No.

8 seed. Improbably, Orlando has now taken a commanding 3-1 series lead over the East’s top seed, the Detroit Pistons . A few months prior, with heightened expectations entering the season after making a blockbuster trade to acquire Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies , Orlando explored making another huge splash.

The Magic expressed interest in trading for Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo before the trade deadline, league sources told HoopsHype. Antetokounmpo was originally drafted 15th overall in 2013 by current Magic senior advisor John Hammond . Magic president Jeff Weltman and Hammond have always been enamored with length and size in building their teams through the years, which is one of Antetokounmpo’s many strong suits.

Despite not having significant draft capital to acquire Antetokounmpo after making the Bane trade, Orlando has talented young players in former No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero and Wagner. Black also took a step in his development this season.