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After spending nine years with the Orlando Magic organization, Jonathan Isaac will be waived, first reported by Jake Fischer of the Stein Line on Saturday evening. The decision came a day before the veteran forward was owed a $14.5 million fully guaranteed salary.
Isaac attended Florida State University, then declared for the 2017 NBA Draft following a one-and-done season. The Magic selected him with the No. 6 pick, a class that featured Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, De’Aaron Fox, Donovan Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, and OG Anunoby. Isaac would immediately battle injuries – a consistent factor that would affect the rest of his career.
There were only two seasons (2018-19 and 2024-25) in which the New York native appeared in over 70 regular-season games.
In addition to the transaction, the Magic will only waive Isaac but not stretch the $8 million owed. It allows him the opportunity to re-sign with the franchise, but likely on a smaller salary, according to Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede.
Isaac had the potential of being an All-Defensive forward, especially with a 6-10 frame. However, the constant injuries – missing two whole seasons in 2020-21 and 2021-22 – kept him from further developing. He averaged a career 6.8 points on 44.1 percent shooting, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 328 total games over seven seasons.
The 28-year-old was present at Sean Sweeney’s press conference as the Magic’s new head coach – firing Jamahl Mosley in early May after five seasons. He accepted the head coaching job with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Isaac won’t have strong value on the open market, but could generate interest. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a big man, but would likely have other targets ahead. Free agency fully opens this upcoming Tuesday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Magic remain $9.5 million over the luxury tax and $2.9 million above the first apron with the waiver, according to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks.
Along with the Isaac news, veteran center Moritz Wagner is expected to explore free agency fully with a “willingness” to sign with another franchise, according to the Stein Line. The Magic have two All-Star-caliber players in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner who are looking to contend in the Eastern Conference. Despite battling financial restrictions, upgrades to the bench are critical for the team’s future success.
There’s pressure on the Magic’s front office to deliver this summer.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
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Isaac attended Florida State University, then declared for the 2017 NBA Draft following a one-and-done season. The Magic selected him with the No. 6 pick, a class that featured Lonzo Ball, Jayson Tatum, De’Aaron Fox, Donovan Mitchell, Bam Adebayo, and OG Anunoby. Isaac would immediately battle injuries – a consistent factor that would affect the rest of his career.
There were only two seasons (2018-19 and 2024-25) in which the New York native appeared in over 70 regular-season games.
In addition to the transaction, the Magic will only waive Isaac but not stretch the $8 million owed. It allows him the opportunity to re-sign with the franchise, but likely on a smaller salary, according to Orlando Sentinel’s Jason Beede.
Isaac had the potential of being an All-Defensive forward, especially with a 6-10 frame. However, the constant injuries – missing two whole seasons in 2020-21 and 2021-22 – kept him from further developing. He averaged a career 6.8 points on 44.1 percent shooting, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks in 328 total games over seven seasons.
The 28-year-old was present at Sean Sweeney’s press conference as the Magic’s new head coach – firing Jamahl Mosley in early May after five seasons. He accepted the head coaching job with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Isaac won’t have strong value on the open market, but could generate interest. The Los Angeles Lakers are looking for a big man, but would likely have other targets ahead. Free agency fully opens this upcoming Tuesday, June 30, at 6:00 p.m. Eastern Time.
The Magic remain $9.5 million over the luxury tax and $2.9 million above the first apron with the waiver, according to ESPN front office insider Bobby Marks.
Along with the Isaac news, veteran center Moritz Wagner is expected to explore free agency fully with a “willingness” to sign with another franchise, according to the Stein Line. The Magic have two All-Star-caliber players in Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner who are looking to contend in the Eastern Conference. Despite battling financial restrictions, upgrades to the bench are critical for the team’s future success.
There’s pressure on the Magic’s front office to deliver this summer.
Join the Community! Don't miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news! It's completely free to join, simply by clicking the yellow button at the top of the homepage. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members. Download the free Roundtable APP and stay even more connected!
Anthony Aguirre is the Miami Hurricanes and Miami Heat beat writer for Roundtable Sports. Contact info: [email protected] | 305-987-3290 | Follow on Instagram/X: @AnthonyA_Sports
Continue reading...
