Orlando Magic · Franchise era 6 of 7
The long rebuild: the Orlando Magic story
The story in one sentence
Vučević became an All-Star, but the Magic never found enough creation and eventually traded the veteran core.
Years of prospects without an engine
Nikola Vučević, Aaron Gordon and Evan Fournier gave the era its recognizable core.
Its ending created the conditions for paolo and franz.
Timeline
How it unfolded
Before 2012–13
What came before
Howard's interior dominance surrounded by shooters produced 59 wins and a 2009 Finals appearance.
- 28TradeJune 23, 2016
June 23, 2016
The draft-night trade whose return eventually became Paul George
The Magic sought a veteran defensive anchor; Oklahoma City used Ibaka's value to get younger and more flexible around Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant.
To ORL
To OKCDraftPICKround assetSerge Ibaka to OrlandoORL receives Serge IbakaOKC receives Victor Oladipo, Ersan İlyasova, Rights: Domantas Sabonis4 original assets · 1 outcomes tracedOpen trade → 2019
Eastern Conference First Round: Orlando Magic vs Toronto Raptors
2020
Eastern Conference First Round: Orlando Magic vs Milwaukee Bucks
After 2020–21
What came next
Banchero and Wagner gave Orlando two oversized creators, while Suggs and a deep defense accelerated the return to the playoffs.
The core