#5 Acquiring Vince Carter from the Nets (June, 2009)
It remains one of the most controversial trades in franchise history considering the Magic had just advanced to their second NBA Finals ever and while some disagreed with the decision, it actually was a smart move and overall didn’t damage the team. Sure, VC didn’t quite live up to the expectations as a legitimate superstar in Orlando but Courtney Lee never blossomed like many projected and Ryan Anderson, who the Magic also acquired in the deal from New Jersey, became a huge contributor to a perennial playoff team.