Before the playoffs, Milwaukee Bucks fans circled the Magic as potential Giannis Antetokounmpo suitors this summer. If Orlando flamed out in the first round for a third straight season, perhaps ownership would decide it was time for some major changes. It would have been a disappointing end to a season that began with high hopes.
Instead of flaming out, the Magic have staked themselves to a 3-1 lead over the 1-seed Pistons. They are on the verge of pulling off a spectacular upset that would validate the current group's status as contenders, making a desperate swing this offseason far less likely.
Magic proving they don't need Giannis to beat best team in the East
Orlando's best Giannis offer would feature franchise star Paolo Banchero as the centerpiece. Outside of their big three - Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane - the Magic lack young talent to send the Bucks in a trade. On top of that, pairing Giannis and Banchero wouldn't make sense from a floor-spacing standpoint.
The foundation of the deal would be Giannis for Banchero. Take it or leave it.
After four playoff games, Banchero and the Magic are close to proving they needn't take such drastic measures. Despite his shooting struggles, Banchero has found a way to contribute by bullying his way to the free-throw line against a relentless Pistons defense. He leads the team in points, rebounds, assists, and minutes. He looks like a leader.
In addition, trading four first-round picks for Bane last June looks like a sound investment, after all. Not only has he provided volume scoring, his shooting has come up big in clutch moments. Bane has given them a major advantage late in games.
Orlando less likely to uproot roster for Giannis after strong playoff run
It's only one series and the job isn't yet complete, but knocking off the 60-win Pistons would go a long way toward vindicating the roster as currently constructed. Come summer, the front office will be more likely to target supplementary changes, not fundamental ones, if the Magic beat Detroit and give their next opponent a good fight.
Of course, they still might put in a call if Giannis becomes available. Antetokounmpo has already indicated his fondness for the city of Miami, considered a leading destination were the much-anticipated sweepstakes to become a reality. The Magic couldn't offer him a place in South Beach, but it would still be Florida. There would still be sunshine, beaches, and no state income taxes.
Unlike Minnesota or Golden State, Orlando also has the advantage of belonging to the Eastern Conference. The landscape in the West presents a formidable path to the Conference Finals with Oklahoma City and San Antonio barring the way for years to come. If Giannis wants a second championship, he'll have better luck pursuing it out East.
For the moment, though, such arguments have receded to the background. The Magic are one win away from showing that they already have what it takes to get past the best team in the conference.