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Magic Trade News Revealed Ahead of NBA Playoffs

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jonathan D Adams | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 10:32 AM ET

The Orlando Magic's full attention is on the NBA Play-In Tournament as the franchise attempts to punch their ticket to the playoffs by securing one of the final two seeds. Yet, given the team's inconsistencies this season, changes could be coming this offseason. A restriction has been lifted for one Magic starter, opening up the opportunity for NBA trade talks in the coming months.

One name to watch is Magic center Wendell Carter Jr. The Orlando big man is averaging 9.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and two assists per game through his first 66 appearances this season.

There are games where Carter's rebounding is not exactly where the Magic need it to be as the team's starting center. Carter signed a three-year, $58.6 million contract extension that is slated to go through the 2028-29 NBA season.

Sixth Man Show's Fawzan Amer points out that Carter's trade restriction has been lifted. Given the NBA trade deadline passed on Feb. 6, the Magic will have to wait until the offseason if the team wants to explore trades for Carter.

"Orlando Magic C Wendell Carter Jr’s trade restriction has been lifted, making him trade eligible effective today," Amer detailed in a Sunday message on X. "Carter signed an extension in October, creating a six-month trade restriction stemming from his contract extension, per NBAs CBA."

It may sound like a broken record, but the Magic will eventually head into the offseason needing to add more shooting and playmaking. Magic fans may be curious to see if Carter is floated in trade rumors in the coming months.

With three games remaining in the regular season, the Magic sit as the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference, two games ahead of the Atlanta Hawks who are the No. 8 seed.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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