Orlando Magic

Orlando Magic guard Markelle Fultz fractured his left big toe during a preseason workout, but he won't require surgery, according to Khobi Price of the Orlando Sentinel (h/t Hoops Hype).

Fultz will miss the team's training camp, which begins Tuesday.

The 24-year-old is currently in a walking boot, and his return will be based on how his injury responds to rest and rehabilitation.

Injuries remain a major story for Fultz, who has played just 26 games combined in the last two seasons due to a torn ACL suffered in January 2021. He returned last February, appearing in 18 games while seeing limited minutes mostly off the bench.

The guard averaged 10.8 points, 5.5 assists and 1.1 steals per game during this stretch.

Fultz also dealt with shoulder injuries earlier in his career and has only topped 20 games in a season once since being drafted No. 1 overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in 2017.

There was plenty of upside on display during his lone healthy season in 2019-20, with the point guard averaging 12.1 points and 5.1 assists while helping the Magic reach the playoffs. He was rewarded with a three-year extension that runs through 2023-24.

Another injury now raises questions about Fultz's durability, which could also keep the Magic shorthanded entering 2022-23.

Cole Anthony and Jalen Suggs will remain the top options in the backcourt, but depth could be a concern until Fultz is back to full strength.

The Orlando Magic haven't made the playoffs since the 2019-20 campaign, but that could change with the influx of young talent the franchise has had over the last several seasons.

Orlando's starting five is expected to feature all first-round picks—Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr.

What makes the lineup the most exciting it's been in a long time is the addition of Banchero, who was selected first overall in the 2022 NBA draft. Many believed Jabari Smith Jr. would be the No. 1 pick, but Banchero climbed to the top after a Zoom call with the Magic just two days before the draft.

Banchero starred at Duke as a freshman in 2021-22, averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 39 games while shooting 47.8 percent from the floor and 33.8 percent from deep.

The 19-year-old also delivered some impressive performances during the NBA's Las Vegas Summer League, which gave the organization some confidence that he will succeed at the next level.

The Magic also feature a talented bench that includes Markelle Fultz, R.J. Hampton and Jonathan Isaac, which makes them even more of a threat to earn a playoff spot this year.

That said, here's a look at Orlando's 2022-23 schedule, championship odds, top matchups and season forecast.

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2022-23 Magic Schedule Details

Season Opener: at Detroit Pistons

Championship Odds: 500-1 (via FanDuel)

Full Schedule: NBA.com

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Top Matchups

Oklahoma City Thunder (First Game: Nov. 1)

The Magic and Thunder are two of the youngest teams in the NBA, which means we're going to be in for one of the most exciting matchups of the 2022-23 season when these two meet for the first time on Nov. 1.

It will also mark the first meeting between Banchero, the 2022 No. 1 pick, and Chet Holmgren, the 2022 No. 2 overall pick, at the NBA level. The pair previously met during their freshman seasons at Duke and Gonzaga, respectively, during the 2021-22 season.

The Blue Devils won that game 84-81, and Banchero finished with 21 points, five rebounds, two assists and one steal, while Holmgren finished with 16 points, seven rebounds and three blocks.

Beyond that, the Thunder also feature a lineup that includes Josh Giddey, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort and Darius Bazley, which will make for an interesting matchup against the Magic.

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Houston Rockets (First Game: Nov. 7)

Like the Thunder, the Rockets also are one of the NBA's younger teams, meaning that we will get a good look at what the future of the league holds when the Magic meet them for the first time on Nov. 7.

It will also mark the first-ever meeting between Banchero and 2022 No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith Jr., who was widely expected to be taken first overall by Orlando before the franchise flipped and selected Banchero.

Houston's lineup also includes Kevin Porter Jr., Alperen Sengun, Jalen Green and Jae'Sean Tate. Put that lineup against the lineup of the Magic and we'll be in for one of the more exciting matchups of the season.

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Season Forecast

While the Magic are going to be fun to watch this season with all of their young talents, it will be difficult for the franchise to compete in an increasingly difficult Eastern Conference that includes the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat and Milwaukee Bucks.

It will be difficult for Orlando to compete for a playoff spot in general, especially after they finished last in the East last season with a 22-60 record. In addition, teams like the Detroit Pistons, New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawks all got better with offseason acquisitions, so the Magic could be in for another disappointing year.

However, there's optimism that this team can begin to turn things around in 2022-23, especially behind a new franchise cornerstone in Banchero, so they should at least fair better than they did in 2021-22.

Record Prediction: 27-55

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The Atlanta Hawks and Orlando Magic will meet in an early-season matchup on Oct. 21, per Chris Haynes of Yahoo Sports, which sets up a battle between Dejounte Murray and Paolo Banchero.

The two last faced off in a pro-am competition, which featured Murray embarrassing the 2022 No. 1 overall draft pick:

Paolo Banchero getting an early welcome-to-the-league moment from @DejounteMurray 😅

(via @Ballislife) pic.twitter.com/wzzcL04iwn

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) August 8, 2022

The two also exchanged words after the game:

"He too soft" 😳

Dejounte Murray let Paolo Banchero hear it during their run yesterday

(via @HomeTeamHoops) https://t.co/9ul3dVsbx2

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 8, 2022

Paolo had a message for Dejounte Murray after this play 😅

(via Paolo5/IG) https://t.co/atgrTsbsCU pic.twitter.com/Ye1WsMXUb1

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 8, 2022

Murray is heading into his first season with the Hawks after joining the team in a trade from the San Antonio Spurs.

The 25-year-old earned his first All-Star selection last year, setting career highs with 21.1 points, 9.2 assists and 2.0 steals per game. He joins Trae Young, creating an exciting backcourt that could help the Hawks compete with the best teams in the Eastern Conference.

Orlando is more of a long shot to contend this season after finishing 22-60 in 2021-22, the worst record in the East.

Banchero can help turn things around after he averaged 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game last year at Duke. A poll of ESPN insiders predicted the forward will win the league's Rookie of the Year award this year.

A strong game against the Hawks would certainly help his case as he builds momentum early in the 2022-23 season. Getting some revenge against Murray would also likely help him on a personal level as he tries to prove he belongs.

Coming off a breakout season in 2021-22, Jordan Poole's stock has skyrocketed and complicated his long-term future with the Golden State Warriors.

Per Sean Deveney of Heavy.com, one Eastern Conference team could emerge as a favorite to sign Poole next summer if he becomes a restricted free agent.

"I'd watch out for the Magic to be ready to make an offer if he's restricted, knowing there's a good chance Golden State is not going to match," one Eastern Conference executive told Deveney.

Poole is eligible to sign an extension with the Warriors this summer, but there's no indication at this point that the two sides are talking.

Connor Letourneau of the San Francisco Chronicle reported June 20 that Golden State's offer to Poole would likely need to start in the range of $100 million over four years.

Warriors general manager Bob Myers told Yahoo Sports' Vincent Goodwill on June 2 that the team has been able to pay all of its key players during this run of success, "so I don't see that changing."

Much has been made about Golden State's willingness and ability to pay the luxury tax to keep its championship core together. The team currently has a luxury-tax bill of $158.7 million, on top of a $187.7 million payroll.

The team did cut its tax bill by nearly $53 million earlier this offseason by not bringing back Otto Porter Jr. and Gary Payton II.

For anyone curious in terms of the difference in cost.

Combined 22/23 salary of Gary Payton II + Otto Porter Jr: $14.3M

Combined 22/23 salary of Donte DiVincenzo + JaMychal Green: $6.3M

Plus a luxury tax difference of: $52.6M

— GSWCBA (@gswcba) July 19, 2022

In addition to Poole's looming restricted free agency, the Warriors also have to keep an eye on Andrew Wiggins' status. The 27-year-old is entering the final season of his current deal and can become an unrestricted free agent next summer.

Poole does have the benefit of being four years younger than Wiggins, so there could be more upside in his game as he enters his prime.

The Magic would certainly make sense as a potential landing spot for Poole. They are building around a young core of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Mo Bamba and Jalen Suggs.

Adding Poole's scoring ability to that group could give Orlando one of the best collections of young talent in the NBA. The Michigan alum averaged 18.5 points per game and connected on 36.4 percent of his three-point attempts in 76 games last season.

Orlando has only had one winning season since 2012-13 (42-40 in 2018-19) and has just two playoff appearances during that span. The team hasn't won a postseason series since losing in the 2010 Eastern Conference Finals.

Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero had a DWI-related charge from his time at Duke dropped this week.

Per Steve Wiseman of The Raleigh News & Observer, prosecutors in Orange County dropped the aiding and abetting an impaired driver charge against Banchero after Michael Savarino pleaded guilty to DWI on Wednesday.

In November, according to court records obtained by Wiseman, Savarino was arrested for DWI and Banchero was charged with aiding and abetting DWI.

North Carolina Highway Patrol arrested Savarino, former Duke head coach Mike Krzyzewski's grandson, around 1:10 a.m. local time on a Sunday morning after pulling him over for a stop sign violation.

Sgt. Christopher Knox, spokesman for the N.C. Highway Patrol, told Wiseman there was a "strong odor of alcohol" in the vehicle.

Krzyzewski didn't discipline Banchero after he was charged. The freshman forward was in the starting lineup and played 26 minutes against Gardner-Webb on Nov. 16, two days after the situation occurred.

"We all learned from it," Banchero told reporters about the situation after a Nov. 22 win over Citadel. "I can't really say much about it. We learned from it and we handled it as a team. We've moved on, though. We want to get on with our season."

Savarino received 12 months' probation and is required to complete a treatment program as part of his plea agreement.

Banchero started all 39 games for the Blue Devils last season. He was named ACC Rookie of the Year and a consensus second-team All-American selection after averaging 17.2 points and 7.8 rebounds per game.

The Magic selected Banchero with the No. 1 pick in the 2022 NBA draft.

The top overall pick is going with Jordan Brand.

According to Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium, Orlando Magic rookie Paolo Banchero is reportedly signing an endorsement deal with the iconic shoe company.

Banchero will join an impressive list of NBA stars signed to Jordan Brand, including Chris Paul, Luka Doncic, Jayson Tatum, Bam Adebayo, Zion Williamson, Bradley Beal, Russell Westbrook and Carmelo Anthony.

A number of WNBA stars are also signed to the brand, including Rhyne Howard, Maya Moore and Kia Nurse.

Alongside joining that excellent company, Banchero is now the face of the Magic's rebuild, joining fellow young players like Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr. and Markelle Fultz as the organization looks to construct a contender.

Banchero should have an instant impact on the team's offense, bringing the ability to create his own shot (17.2 PPG last year with Duke) with solid playmaking (3.2 APG) from his forward position.

"I've been in the gym with [Banchero] a little bit already, seeing him out here, just doing what he does," Anthony told ESPN's Nick Friedell this week. "He's going to help us a lot. And now I feel like we can really start building something."

The Magic haven't missed with the top overall pick in the past. In 2004, they selected Dwight Howard. In 1993, they took Chris Webber (he was later traded to the Golden State Warriors, with Penny Hardaway heading back to the Magic). The year prior they selected Shaquille O'Neal.

Webber and O'Neal are Hall of Famers, and Hardaway was on that trajectory before injuries hampered his career. Howard will get his plaque once he retires.

Banchero has big shoes to fill as a top overall pick of the Magic, in other words. Now we know those shoes will be Jordans.

NBA Summer League in Las Vegas has already been full of memorable moments from the league's rising stars, and that was no different on Saturday at Thomas & Mack Center and Cox Pavilion.

Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero and Jabari Smith Jr. delivered impressive performances during Saturday's action to help their respective teams earn a victory on Day 3 of action in Las Vegas.

That said, here's a look at what stood out to NBA fans and experts on social media from Saturday's games.

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Paolo Banchero "Too Good" for Summer League

In Day 3 of Summer League action, the Orlando Magic, led by Paolo Banchero, defeated the Sacramento Kings 94-92 in double overtime in what was one of the more exciting matchups from Saturday's action.

Banchero finished with 23 points, six rebounds, six assists, four steals and two blocks. He made 6-of-15 shots from the field and made 11-of-15 free-throw attempts, but missed his only attempt from three-point range.

The Duke product also notched the game-winning block and assist in double overtime to lift the Magic over the Kings.

#1 Overall pick Paolo Banchero gets the game-saving rejection! pic.twitter.com/jAqtXGUr5A

— NBA (@NBA) July 9, 2022

Paolo Banchero dimes it to Emanuel Terry for the game-winning bucket in double OT and the @OrlandoMagic WIN! pic.twitter.com/Yp2dVJGZLi

— NBA (@NBA) July 9, 2022

Banchero's continued success in Summer League action earned him some praise on social media on Saturday, including fans saying that he is "too good" to be playing in Las Vegas.

Paolo Banchero looks like a veteran not a rookie.

His ability to master the game is just amazing to watch. Future star.

— George Hathaway (@hathawaygeorge9) July 9, 2022

Paolo Banchero is too good for the Summer League. pic.twitter.com/M836l5melj

— Duke Opinions (@DukeOpinions) July 9, 2022

We're rapidly approaching the point where Orlando has seen enough from Paolo Banchero and puts him in bubble wrap until the fall.

— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) July 9, 2022

My favorite play from Paolo Banchero today. Cross court laser beam right on target pic.twitter.com/cUkYpWUtX0

— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) July 9, 2022

MAGIIIIIIIIIC BASKETBAAAAAALLLL!!

Hands down the most fun game I’ve ever been a part of! Sudden death 🥶

@Pp_doesit and @EmanuelTerry08 with CLUTCH BLOCKS + ICED IT!

— Devin Cannady (@devin_cannady3) July 9, 2022

Paolo Banchero looks awesome. Not sure how he wasn’t the consensus #1 pick throughout the draft process.

— Roosh (@RooshWilliams) July 9, 2022

My initial scouting report on Paolo Banchero:
• superb court vision
• enthusiastic playmaker/passer
• strong, w/room to improve
• NBA-ready court presence/confidence
• confident ballhandler
• attacks mismatches well, w/fluidity
• 3-pt shooting stroke is OK but needs reps

— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) July 9, 2022

Paolo Banchero is just that guy.

I don’t care if it’s summer-league.

He’s always been that guy.

— TF (@ThunderFocus) July 9, 2022

Paolo Banchero is looking like a future star again today with a huge blocked shot in Vegas. 23 points, 6 assists with the Orlando Magic going 2-0. He did have some turnover issues trying to involve teammates.

— Blue Devil Nation (@BlueDevilNation) July 9, 2022

The NBA isn’t ready for my guy Paolo Banchero.

We’re coming for that Rookie of the Year Award 🤝

— KELEWELE JOINT (@Raph___k) July 9, 2022

The Magic selected Banchero with the first overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Duke, picking him over Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr.

Banchero had an impressive freshman season with the Blue Devils, averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.1 steals in 39 games while shooting 47.8 percent from the floor and 33.8 percent from deep.

That said, after starring at Duke, it's no surprise that 19-year-old is finding early success in Summer League action.

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Jaden Ivey Done in Summer League After Suffering Ankle Injury?

The Detroit Pistons defeated the Washington Wizards 105-99 on Saturday, but it was a costly game for the franchise as they lost standout rookie Jaden Ivey in the process.

Ivey played just five minutes in Day 3 of Summer League, putting up 11 points and two assists, before exiting with an ankle injury. He made both of his shots from the field, his only three-point attempt and all six of his free-throws.

The 20-year-old suffered the ankle injury after landing on the foot of Wizards forward Isaiah Todd with 4:52 to play in the first quarter. He was visibly in pain and grabbed his right leg before making three free-throws and exiting.

While Ivey's status moving forward is unclear, there's speculation that he might be done with Summer League altogether, which would be a huge blow for the Pistons.

5th overall pick Jaden Ivey has hurt his right ankle/shin and is limping pretty badly. Flagrant foul for Isaiah Todd for getting under Ivey on his shot. Ivey had been cooking early against the Wizards. Wouldn't be surprised if that's the last we see Ivey this Summer League.

— Chase Hughes (@chasedcsports) July 9, 2022

Marvin Bagley III on Jaden Ivey: He lived up to the hype of what was around his name. He was starting to heat up today before the injury. I like what I've seen.

— Mike Curtis (@MikeACurtis2) July 10, 2022

And you know Jaden Ivey is done now for the Summer.. theyre not letting that dude play another second

— ᗩᑎT ᗯᖇIGᕼT (@itsAntWright) July 9, 2022

No need to see Jaden Ivey play another minute of summer league. Heal up, but the rest of the summer hard and be ready for training camp

— PistonsThoughts (@PistonsThoughts) July 9, 2022

I think you just gotta shut Jaden Ivey down for the rest of summer league.

— nick (@nsitto2) July 9, 2022

5 minutes, 11 points for Jaden Ivey. And that will be a wrap.

He was going for at least 30 before the rolled ankle. Probably will be shut down rest of summer league.

— Blake A. McQueary (@b_mcqueary6) July 9, 2022

Yeah Jaden Ivey shouldn’t be playing in this

— year 22 (@johnrivers131) July 9, 2022

The Pistons selected Ivey fifth overall in the 2022 draft out of Purdue. He was widely regarded as the best point guard available in this year's class after averaging 17.3 points, 4.9 rebounds and 3.1 assists in 36 games while shooting 46 percent from the floor and 35.8 percent from deep in his sophomore season with the Boilermakers.

If Ivey doesn't return to Summer League, he's already shown flashes of his potential. In his first game Summer League game, he finished with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists, which is promising for Detroit.

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Battle of the 2022 No. 2 and No. 3 Picks

The Houston Rockets defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 90-88 on Saturday, and both Chet Holmgren and Jabari Smith Jr., the No. 2 and No. 3 picks in the 2022 draft, turned in decent outings for their respective teams.

Holmgren finished with 12 points, eight rebounds, two assists, two steals and four blocks for the Thunder. However, he made just 3-of-10 shots from the field and missed his only attempt from three-point range.

Smith, meanwhile, finished with 12 points, nine rebounds, one assists, four steals and three blocks for the Rockets. He made just 5-of-19 shots from the field and 2-of-9 shots from deep.

While it was more of an off night for both players in the shooting department, they were lauded for their defensive performances.

Chet Holmgren is going to be a devastating guy flying in from the weak side to block shots. He’s up to four blocks in tonight’s game against Houston.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) July 10, 2022

Chet Holmgren looked was giving the Rockets problems on the defensive end all game https://t.co/p4pEi4cHUF

— B/R Hoops (@brhoops) July 10, 2022

Jabari Smith Jr. flashes his interior defense then responds with a triple 🔥 pic.twitter.com/rEsFqZcOQd

— NBA (@NBA) July 10, 2022

Chet Holmgren has 3 blocks in 2 minutes.

Legit rim protector already at 195 pounds... what's he gonna look like at 215 pounds?

— Brandon Rahbar (@BrandonRahbar) July 10, 2022

THAT IS A HIGHLIGHT JABARI SMITH JR.

Blocked Chet Holmgren, grabs the rebound, hits a 3.

That is 100% what you want out of him.

— Sir Barnsalot (@barnsalot) July 10, 2022

Chet Holmgren just drove it into the lane on Jabari, wheeled and made a little left-handed jump hook over Jabari. If he can consistently do THAT in the NBA, look out.

— Skip Bayless (@RealSkipBayless) July 10, 2022

Jabari Smith just blocked Chet Holmgren on one end and drained a three on the other end 🔥

— Jackson Gatlin (@JTGatlin) July 10, 2022

Chet Holmgren blocks are so impactful. Not only do they stop a bucket, but with how fast and athletic this team wants to play more often than not it’ll lead to easy transition buckets.

— Rylan Stiles (@Rylan_Stiles) July 10, 2022

https://twitter.com/sublime50illus1/status/1545962587422162945

Both Holmgren and Smith have played well throughout Summer League, and it's clear both players will likely become cornerstones for their respective franchises moving forward, both offensively and defensively.

Paolo Banchero made a strong impression during his Orlando Magic debut Thursday night in Las Vegas Summer League action, finishing the 91-77 win against the Houston Rockets with 17 points, six assists and four rebounds.

Speaking to ESPN's Cassidy Hubbarth after the game, Banchero discussed his performance and the matchup with No. 3 pick Jabari Smith, noting he's "always had a chip on my shoulder."

Many were surprised when Orlando used its top pick on the Duke product as he didn't have a predraft meeting or workout with the club prior to his selection, Shams Charania reported on Stadium.

As a freshman last year for the Blue Devils, Banchero powered the team to a Final Four appearance while averaging 17.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 3.2 assists per game.

The 6'10" forward has an NBA-ready body with a polished offensive skill set and was widely regarded as one of the top three players in this year's draft class.

"Powerful and skilled, Paolo Banchero projects as the draft's most pro-ready scorer," B/R's Jonathan Wasserman wrote in his scouting report. "His ability to self-create, shoot off the dribble, hit threes and play-make carves out a path toward NBA stardom."

For his part, Banchero isn't short on confidence when it comes to his potential for superstardom.

He told The Athletic's Mike Vorkunov after he was drafted:

"My ceiling is as high as I want it to be. Which is limitless. I set a lot of goals for myself every stage of my career. So I want to do all that—NBA Rookie of the Year, be an All-Star, make the playoffs, everything a basketball player on this stage would want to do, I want to do, plus more. But at first, I want to win. That's the most important thing."

The Magic have dwelled in the NBA's basement for years, but with Banchero anchoring their young core it appears an ascent up the standings could soon be on the way.

The Los Angeles Lakers and Toronto Raptors are reportedly expected to pursue Mo Bamba in free agency after he didn't receive a qualifying offer from the Orlando Magic.

Chris Mannix of Sports Illustrated reported Thursday the Magic haven't ruled out bringing the 24-year-old center back, but they've "set a price for Bamba and are unwilling to go above it," which could allow the Lakers or Raptors to make a free-agent splash.

After three years as a reserve, Bamba stepped into the Orlando starting lineup and produced his best statistical season in 2021-22. He averaged 10.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1.5 threes and 1.2 assists while shooting 48 percent from the field, including 38.1 percent from beyond the arc, in 71 appearances.

Those improved numbers combined with his 7'0'', 231-pound frame and 7'10'' wingspan make him one of the most high-upside free agents available this summer despite his inconsistency across four NBA seasons.

In April, Bamba expressed interest in staying with the Magic despite the contract uncertainty.

"I want to be here," he told reporters. "I just want to make that clear. I'll let that stuff handle itself and continue to work."

Now he'll at least get an opportunity to hear pitches from other organizations before deciding whether to return to Orlando.

The Lakers are looking for an infusion of talent around the core tandem of LeBron James and Anthony Davis. Moving Russell Westbrook's contract is unlikely, which means the front office will probably have to rely on a series of smaller moves rather than a blockbuster.

Signing Bamba would allow Davis to play the 4, his preferred position, and give the Lakers more potential on the interior after using a variety of veteran options, including Dwight Howard and DeAndre Jordan, at the 5 last season.

Meanwhile, the Raptors are also seeking an upgrade at center to fill out the frontcourt alongside Pascal Siakam. The combination of Bamba and Siakam (7'3'' wingspan) could create some real issues for opponents trying to attack the rim.

It's quite possible other teams emerge as potential suitors in the coming days, as Bamba's inclusion in the free-agent class came a bit late after the qualifying offer wasn't tendered.

His occasional flashes of All-Star potential are enough to warrant a multiyear contract with the hope he can take his game to that next level with a change of scenery.

Mo Bamba will generate interest from multiple teams when the free-agent negotiating period begins on Thursday at 6 p.m. ET.

Per The Athletic's Kelly Iko, the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets are already showing interest in the 24-year-old center.

Iko noted the Orlando Magic have interest in re-signing Bamba.

It's unclear where things stand between Bamba and the Magic.

Iko noted the writing might be on the wall after Orlando posted images on social media unveiling No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero's jersey number as 5, which has been worn by Bamba.

you love to see it

📸: paolo5/IG pic.twitter.com/hVSknFND4V

— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) June 25, 2022

There's other, more tangible evidence Iko pointed out to suggest Bamba might be on the move, including the volume of frontcourt players the Magic have.

Of course, B/R's Jake Fischer noted there's also "motivation on both sides" between the Magic and Bamba to stay together.

The Bulls haven't been shy about their desire to find a strong defensive presence at center. The Ringer's Kevin O'Connor reported June 6 they have interest in a Rudy Gobert trade, as well as New York Knicks free agent Mitchell Robinson.

Per Fischer, any potential deal the Bulls put together for Gobert would likely need to include Patrick Williams, and it's unclear if the team is willing to move the 20-year-old.

The Rockets are hoping they've found the nucleus of their next great core with No. 3 overall pick Jabari Smith set to join second-year guard Jalen Green. Bamba would fit in with their timeline because he's only 24 years old and has shown flashes of tremendous potential.

Orlando has struggled to find ways to maximize Bamba's skill set. He did take a step forward in 2021-22, his first season playing primarily in the starting lineup. The University of Texas alum averaged 10.6 points and 8.1 rebounds and shot 38.1 percent from three-point range in 71 games.