Wendell Carter Jr. Trade: Top 5 landing spots for Orlando Magic center amid NBA rumors
Wendell Carter Jr. is reportedly one of the names to monitor heading into the NBA trade deadline next month. The Orlando Magic center’s numbers, particularly his scoring, have dropped compared to past seasons. From 15.1 points per game, he is now putting up 8.1 ppg, the worst in his career.
Orlando also has plenty of frontcourt depth which may allow them to move on from Carter. The Magic have Goga Bitadze, who played well as the starting center when Carter was injured, Jonathan Isaac and Moritz Wagner.
The looming contract negotiations for Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner may also be another reason to trade Wendell Carter Jr. If the Orlando Magic decide to go that route, there are a couple of teams who could be interested in him:
Teams who may want to trade for Wendell Carter Jr.
#5. Washington Wizards
The Washington Wizards have a 6-31 record, the second-worst in the Eastern Conference. Washington has so many loopholes that it will take more than one move to help them become more competitive. The center spot is one of several that have to be addressed.
Starting at center for the Wizards is Daniel Gafford with Mike Muscala as the backup. They could certainly use frontline depth. Washington has two second-round picks in 2024. They might try to engage the Orlando Magic with a trade starting with those picks.
#4. Charlotte Hornets
LaMelo Ball has returned from a long injury layoff for the Charlotte Hornets but the team still has several positions to improve. The frontcourt is an area that needs a big boost. Charlotte has two seven-foot centers in the lineup. Mark Williams, a first-year big man out of Duke has been playing quite well but he’s injured. Nick Richards has been soaking up the minutes in his absence.
Wendell Carter Jr. would fit in nicely with the Hornets. He has more experience and is arguably better than any big man on Charlotte’s roster. Bryce McGowens and a second-round pick might be enough to pry him from Orlando.
#3. Brooklyn Nets
Nic Claxton will become an unrestricted free agent after the 2023-24 season. Since the offseason, the Brooklyn Nets were rumored to be looking for a center as frontline depth or to eventually replace Claxton. Brooklyn still has Day’Ron Sharpe but the team badly needs a boost in a conference that has Joel Embiid and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Wendell Carter Jr. doesn’t become an unrestricted free agent until after the 2025-26 season. Whether as Claxton’s replacement or as part of the rotation, the Nets could make good use of him.
Brooklyn doesn’t have a pick this year but they have one first-rounder and two second-rounders in 2025. One of the second-round picks could grease the wheels of a trade.
#2. Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers could need a boost in the frontcourt especially if they make the playoffs. Indy will likely have to get past Joel Embiid, Giannis Antetokounmpo and even Kristaps Porzingis to come out of the East. The Pacers would need a backup for Myles Turner.
Isaiah Jackson and Jalen Smith are currently Turner’s relievers. Both young big men have shown promise but Wendell Carter Jr. has to be better than any of them. Indiana has several wingmen that the Orlando Magic could covet.
Aaron Nesmith and a 2024 second-round pick might get the deal done.
#1. New Orleans Pelicans
Jonas Valanciunas becomes an unrestricted free agent after the 2023-24 NBA season. The veteran big man isn’t on the same timeline as Zion Williamson and Brandon Ingram. If the New Orleans Pelicans do not want to offer him a new contract, they could trade for Wendell Carter Jr.
Naji Marshall and Larry Nance Jr. could get the trade done. New Orleans also has three first-round picks this year. One of which could be what Orlando might agree to for a deal to happen.