Orlando Magic waive Jonathan Isaac, save $6.5M

The Orlando Magic waived veteran forward Jonathan Isaac on Saturday, June 27, parting ways with the former top draft pick one day before his full salary for the upcoming season would have become guaranteed. The move creates significant financial flexibility for the team as it aims to build a championship contender around star Paolo Banchero.

Isaac, 28, was the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft and has spent his entire nine-year career with Orlando. His contract for the 2026-27 season was set to become fully guaranteed for $14.5 million on Sunday, June 28. By waiving him, the Magic are now obligated to pay only the $8 million that was guaranteed, saving the franchise $6.5 million against the salary cap.

The decision is rooted in both financial strategy and on-court performance. The Magic are currently over the NBA's luxury tax threshold, and waiving Isaac reduces their projected tax bill. Furthermore, Isaac's production has declined in recent seasons, largely due to persistent injuries. He missed the entire 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons after suffering a torn ACL in 2020. This past season, he averaged career lows of 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 52 games as a reserve, and...