Orlando Magic Must Say No to Giannis Antetokounmpo

Merlin sees a new whisper in the wind: NBA insider Kirk Goldsbury said on the Bill Simmons Podcast that the Orlando Magic are interested in trading for Giannis Antetokounmpo. Giannis is still dominant at 27.6 points, 9.8 rebounds and 5.4 assists, but the price would be steep — multiple future No. 1 picks and a young building block like Banchero — and the East is stacked with Boston and New York. Merlin warns against a temptation that trades long-term promise for a short championship chase. Giannis can change a roster, but age and wear take a toll, and anything less than clear supremacy would mean a costly failure. Merlin prefers the patient path of keeping picks and youth to grow a true contender.