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Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero attacks against Milwaukee Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo during a regular-season matchup.

The Orlando Magic are on the brink of one of the most stunning first-round upsets in recent NBA history — and a revealing detail from just a few months ago adds an unexpected layer of intrigue to their surge.

With a 3-1 series lead over the top-seeded Detroit Pistons, the No. 8 Magic will attempt to close out the series in Game 5, a result that would place them among the rare teams to eliminate a No. 1 seed in the best-of-seven era.

The moment stands in sharp contrast to where the franchise was before the trade deadline.

Magic’s Giannis Pursuit Adds New Intrigue to Playoff Surge

According to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto, Orlando explored a blockbuster trade for Giannis Antetokounmpo prior to the deadline, signaling a willingness to make an aggressive push toward contention.

Citing league sources, Scotto reported that the Magic expressed interest in Antetokounmpo, even as the team navigated injuries to key contributors, including Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Anthony Black.

“Despite not having significant draft capital to acquire Antetokounmpo after making the Bane trade, Orlando has talented young players in former No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero and Wagner. Black also took a step in his development this season. Each player could have appealed to Milwaukee on paper, but it’s unclear how far the talks progressed between both sides,” Scotto wrote.

Magic Injury Update: Franz Wagner Status Clouds Game 5

GettyFranz Wagner reacts during Game 4 as the Orlando Magic moved within one win of eliminating the Detroit Pistons.

Orlando may have to close out the series without one of its key contributors.

Wagner exited late in the third quarter of Orlando’s 94-88 Game 4 win with what was initially described as calf tightness. Before leaving, he delivered a strong performance, finishing with 19 points on 7-of-15 shooting in just 24 minutes. He posted a plus-17 rating and was instrumental in helping the Magic build momentum.

His availability for Game 5 now appears unlikely.

Per the Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede, Banchero told reporters after shootaround in Detroit that the team is not expecting Wagner to be available.

“Magic forward Paolo Banchero told reporters after shootaround in Detroit that the team isn’t expecting Franz Wagner to be available for tonight’s Game 5 against the Pistons,” Beede reported. “Wagner did not participate in Orlando’s shootaround this morning, I’m told.”

Magic Identity Emerging Without Major Trade Move

The decision — whether by circumstance or design — to keep its young core intact has now paid dividends.

Orlando’s current playoff run has been fueled by the same group that was once viewed as potential trade capital. Banchero’s scoring presence, Wagner’s versatility and the team’s length-driven defensive identity have created problems for Detroit throughout the series.

The Magic’s rise has been particularly striking given their path. Injuries throughout the regular season forced Orlando into the Play-In Tournament before securing the No. 8 seed.

Instead of fading, they have surged.

Historic Stakes for Orlando Magic

A Game 5 victory would place Orlando in rare company.

Only six No. 8 seeds in NBA history have defeated a No. 1 seed, making the Magic’s position both improbable and historic.

It also reframes the franchise’s trajectory.

Just months after exploring a move for one of the league’s biggest stars, the Magic now stand on the verge of advancing with the group they already have — a development that could influence how aggressively they pursue future blockbuster deals.

For now, the focus remains on finishing the job.

But the contrast is clear: a team that once considered reshaping its future through a superstar acquisition is now one win away from rewriting it on its own terms.