Orlando Magic Waive Former Lottery Pick, Open Up $6.5 Million
The Orlando Magic are moving on from one of the longest-tenured players on their roster.
According to multiple reports, the Magic have waived forward Jonathan Isaac before his contract became fully guaranteed, ending a nine-year tenure that was filled with flashes of elite defensive potential but ultimately derailed by injuries.
The move gives Orlando additional financial flexibility as the organization continues building around its young core heading into the 2026-27 season.
Orlando Magic Gain Salary Cap Flexibility
Isaac was scheduled to have his $14.5 million salary fully guaranteed on June 28, making the timing of the move significant.
By waiving the veteran forward before that deadline, Orlando reportedly saves $6.5 million against its payroll. The Magic still owe Isaac $8 million, but they chose not to stretch that salary over multiple seasons. That decision also leaves the door open for a possible reunion if Isaac does not sign elsewhere during free agency.
For a team looking to remain active this offseason, creating additional cap flexibility could prove valuable as free agency approaches.
Injuries Prevented Jonathan Isaac From Reaching His Potential
Isaac entered the NBA with enormous expectations after Orlando selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft.
At his best, he developed into one of the league’s most versatile defensive forwards. His length, athleticism, and ability to guard multiple positions made him one of the NBA’s premier defensive talents when healthy.
Unfortunately, staying on the court became the biggest obstacle of his career.
Isaac played 70 or more games just twice during his nine seasons with Orlando. He missed the entire 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons while recovering from a torn ACL, and additional knee injuries continued to limit his availability over the following years.
Last season, Isaac appeared in 52 games, averaging 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds before a sprained left knee sidelined him for the final 22 regular-season games and Orlando’s first-round playoff series.
A New Chapter Begins for Both Sides
While Isaac’s tenure in Orlando never unfolded the way either side had envisioned, the decision allows both parties to move forward.
For the Magic, the move creates additional roster and financial flexibility as they continue building around one of the NBA’s promising young cores.
For Isaac, free agency offers an opportunity to find a fresh start with a team looking to add an experienced defensive specialist. If he can stay healthy, there’s little doubt he still possesses the defensive instincts that once made him one of the league’s most intriguing young forwards.
After nearly a decade together, both Jonathan Isaac and the Magic will now begin the next chapter of their respective journeys.
