Orlando Magic News

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Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Signs New Deal With Magic

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac is signing a new one-year deal to remain with the franchise, according to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. The sixth-overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, Isaac has played his entire career in Orlando, despite major injuries and a reduced role in recent seasons. The 28-year-old was waived just ahead of the free agency period with several years remaining on his contract to save the team some money. He'll still receive $8 million worth of guaranteed money on top of his new contract. Isaac averaged just 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 10 minutes of game action in 52 appearances last season.

Jul 1

Jevon Carter • SG • Magic

Guard Jevon Carter Staying in Orlando

Orlando Magic guard Jevon Carter is signing a new one-year, $3.5 million contract to remain with the team, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 30-year-old was acquired from Chicago in February and carved out a role, especially with Anthony Black missing a large chunk of time in March. Carter wound up averaging 7.2 points and 2.3 assists in 20.4 minutes in 30 games with the club. Carter won't get much playing time when Black and Jalen Suggs are healthy, but has provided a steady hand when either misses games.

Jul 1

Nikola Vučević • C • Magic

Nikola Vucevic Returns Home to Orlando

Center Nikola Vucevic is signing a one-year, $3.9 million contract for a second stint with the Orlando Magic, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. The 35-year-old spent nearly nine seasons with the Magic toward the beginning of his career, blossoming into an All-Star. His production has nearly bottomed out since then, though. A midseason acquisition by the Celtics, Vucevic averaged 9.7 points and 6.6 rebounds in 21.1 minutes. Those were all his lowest per-game numbers since his rookie season. Vucevic replaces the outgoing Moritz Wagner on the Magic depth chart, but will be competing with Goga Bitadze for backup center minutes behind Wendell Carter Jr.

Jul 1

Anthony Black • PG • Magic

Anthony Black's Extension Talks Could Squeeze Orlando's Backcourt

Orlando's payroll is set to spike as power forward Paolo Banchero's max extension kicks in, pushing the Magic above the first apron and close to the second, HoopsHype's Michael Scotto reports. That crunch sets up a tough call in the backcourt. Anthony Black is extension-eligible this summer, and with the third-year guard's numbers broadly comparable to Jalen Suggs, who is on a five-year, $150.5 million deal, executives believe Orlando could eventually have to choose between the two. Jonathan Isaac's $14.5 million salary, with only $8 million guaranteed, gives the Magic a possible cost-cutting chip or trade piece, though his career-low 2.6 points in 52 games leave him off fantasy radars. For fantasy, the crowded guard rotation caps usage for both Suggs and Black now, but Black is the developmental name to watch, and a trade of either guard would unlock more value for whoever stays.

Jun 21

Franz Wagner • SF • Magic

Franz Wagner Hopes to Move Past Injury Setbacks

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner opened up to Cyro Asseo of HoopsHype about a frustrating injury-plagued year, saying the repeated rehab process was tough and that he probably should not have played during Orlando's Berlin game. The 24-year-old was limited to 34 regular-season games because of a recurring left high ankle sprain before a right calf strain knocked him out late in the first round. When available, Wagner still averaged 20.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 3.3 assists while shooting 48.1 percent from the field. Under new head coach Sean Sweeney, Wagner's health is one of Orlando's biggest fantasy swing factors. A clean offseason would put him back in position to provide efficient scoring, rebounds, assists, and enough steals to remain a strong multi-category option next to Paolo Banchero.

Jun 14

Paolo Banchero • PF • Magic

Paolo Banchero Carries Offense in Game 7 Defeat

Orlando Magic forward/center Paolo Banchero recorded 38 points, nine rebounds, six assists, and one block in 42 minutes during Sunday's Game 7 loss to Detroit. He shot 14-for-25 from the field and 4-for-7 from three, carrying the offense with efficient scoring and playmaking after a quiet Game 6. Banchero handled a heavy workload throughout the series, reinforcing his status as the focal point. Desmond Bane and Wendell Carter Jr. contributed, but Orlando leaned heavily on Banchero's creation. With the season over, he's set to remain a high-usage centerpiece and a strong fantasy building block heading into next year.

May 4

Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Remains Out for Game 7

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) has been ruled out ahead of Sunday's Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons. Isaac will miss the entirety of this series while he continues to deal with a sprained left knee. Isaac hasn't played since mid-March, and it's unclear if he'll be ready for the next round, if Orlando advances. His continued absence from the rotation won't make much of an impact. Jamal Cain and Tristan de Silva will continue to see an uptick in playing time without Isaac available.

May 3

Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Remains Doubtful on Injury Report

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is listed as doubtful for Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. He has regularly carried the doubtful designation during the postseason due to a sprained knee and hasn't yet suited up for any games. Isaac is likely to remain out on Sunday as well. Jamal Cain will continue to pick up a few extra minutes without Isaac, but he has been quiet in the series. Across 16.5 minutes per game, Cain has tallied 4.5 points and 3.3 rebounds. The 27-year-old has snagged only two steals in the series and hadn't managed a single block before recording one in Friday's Game 6 loss.

May 2

Franz Wagner • SF • Magic

Franz Wagner Won't Be Available for Game 7

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (calf) won't suit up for Game 7 against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday. He'll be out for a third consecutive game after sustaining a calf strain earlier in the series. Wagner landed on the shelf after averaging 16.8 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.8 steals in four playoff games. His absence has elevated the fantasy value of Anthony Black and Jamal Cain, with the latter moving into the starting lineup. However, Black has seen significantly more playing time than Cain, making him the better fantasy option.

May 2

Paolo Banchero • PF • Magic

Paolo Banchero Struggles with Shot in Game 6 Loss

Orlando Magic forward/center Paolo Banchero finished with 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, and two steals in 41 minutes during Friday's Game 6 loss to Detroit, shooting just 4-for-20 from the field and 0-for-9 from deep. After a dominant Game 5, he cooled off sharply, though steady free-throw production kept his line afloat. Banchero remains the clear offensive focal point heading into Game 7, especially if Franz Wagner (calf) remains limited. Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs should continue in their usual roles, but how far Orlando goes will depend on Banchero finding his rhythm and knocking down shots.

May 2

Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Downgraded to Out

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) will remain on the shelf in Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons on Friday. His status has been downgraded from doubtful to out ahead of tip-off. Isaac has missed several weeks due to a left knee sprain, and it's unclear whether he will become an option in the postseason if Orlando takes down Detroit in the first round. Jamal Cain has benefited from Isaac's absence, but his production has been limited to 4.8 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in the playoffs.

May 1

Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Unlikely to Return Friday

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is expected to remain out on Friday in Game 6 against the Detroit Pistons, as he remains doubtful on the injury report. Isaac missed the end of the regular season and hasn't played in the playoffs due to a left knee sprain. Jamal Cain has emerged as his replacement in the rotation and even joined the first unit in Game 5 after Franz Wagner (calf) was ruled out. Wagner isn't playing on Friday either, putting Cain in a position to maintain his expanded role. However, he's a risky DFS option after managing just five points, four rebounds, and one steal in Game 5.

Apr 30

Franz Wagner • SF • Magic

Franz Wagner Won't Play Friday

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (calf) has been ruled out for Friday's Game 6 tilt against the Detroit Pistons. The German star sustained a right calf injury in Game 4 at the start of the week. Before sitting out Game 5, Wagner was listed as questionable on the injury report. Now, he has been ruled out immediately, which isn't a good sign. Jamal Cain filled Wagner's spot in the starting lineup in Game 5, amassing five points, four rebounds, and one assist in 25 minutes. Wagner's absence also benefited Anthony Black, who was much more productive. In 39 minutes off the bench, Black contributed 19 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals. DFS managers should prioritize Black over Cain again on Friday.

Apr 30

Paolo Banchero • PF • Magic

Paolo Banchero Scores 45 Points in Game 5 Loss

Orlando Magic power forward Paolo Banchero had a special night with 45 points on Wednesday, but he couldn't save his team from a 116-109 Game 5 loss against the Detroit Pistons. Only two players in franchise history -- Shaquille O'Neal and Tracy McGrady -- have been more prolific in a playoff game, sharing the Magic record with 46 points. Banchero did the damage with a 17-for-31 effort from the field. After averaging only one made three-pointer per game across the first four games of the season, Banchero was 6-for-11 from downtown. The 2024 All-Star also led his team with nine rebounds and seven assists, adding two steals. Having this version of Banchero on the court is a huge bonus for Orlando, especially if Franz Wagner's (calf) absence extends beyond a single game.

Apr 30

Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Remains Out for Game 5

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is out for Wednesday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 5 against Detroit and has yet to appear in the playoffs. His absence is expected to continue into the next game as he works his way back, though there is still no clear timeline. Even with Franz Wagner (calf) also sidelined, Isaac's status does not meaningfully change Orlando's rotation. Paolo Banchero and Wendell Carter Jr. will continue to handle most frontcourt minutes, while Tristan da Silva and Jamal Cain remain secondary options.

Apr 29

Franz Wagner • SF • Magic

Franz Wagner Won't Play in Game 5

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (calf) is out for Wednesday's Eastern Conference first-round Game 5 against Detroit after being diagnosed with a right calf strain. He was unable to participate in shootaround and could miss additional time as the series continues. Anthony Black is a strong candidate to move into a larger role, while Tristan da Silva and Jamal Cain should see increased minutes after combining for 14 points and 13 rebounds in Game 4. Paolo Banchero should take on a bigger offensive role, making him a strong DFS option, while Black stands out as a value play.

Apr 29

Jonathan Isaac • PF • Magic

Jonathan Isaac Expected to Remain Out Wednesday

Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac (knee) is listed as doubtful for Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons on Wednesday. The 28-year-old hasn't played since mid-March due to a left knee sprain and is likely to remain on the sidelines for Wednesday's closeout game. Jamal Cain has benefited from Isaac's absence and could see even more minutes on Wednesday night after Franz Wagner's (calf) injury. Over the first four games of the series, Cain has averaged 4.8 points and 3.0 rebounds in 13.5 minutes.

Apr 28

Franz Wagner • SF • Magic

Franz Wagner Considered Questionable for Game 5

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (calf) is listed as questionable for Wednesday's Game 5 against the Detroit Pistons. He couldn't complete Monday's Game 4 and has been diagnosed with a right calf strain. Several players could benefit from Wagner's absence on Wednesday night. Tristan da Silva, Anthony Black, and Jamal Cain could all pick up extra minutes. Even though da Silva and Black are the more established options, Cain made a significant impact in Monday's game, missing a double-double by just two points and one rebound.

Apr 28

Paolo Banchero • PF • Magic

Paolo Banchero's Efficiency Woes Continue in Game 4

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero made only four of 18 field-goal attempts in Monday's 94-88 win over the Detroit Pistons. He finished with 18 points, doing most of his scoring with a 10-for-13 effort at the line. For the second time in this series, Banchero failed to make a three-pointer, going 0-for-4 from behind the arc. The 2024 All-Star completed his line on Monday with eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, and one block. The Pistons have limited Banchero to 37.3 percent field-goal efficiency in the first-round matchup, but Orlando has still grabbed a 3-1 series lead. Banchero has made up for his efficiency woes with improved efforts in other areas. Through four games, he is averaging 21.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.0 blocks, and 1.5 steals.

Apr 28

Franz Wagner • SF • Magic

Franz Wagner Scheduled for MRI on Tuesday

Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner (calf) is set to have an MRI on Tuesday. The German star, who missed 48 games with an ankle sprain during the regular season, suffered another injury blow in Monday's win over the Detroit Pistons, exiting the game due to right calf soreness. Before he was forced to leave, Wagner was enjoying his best performance of the playoffs. He scored 19 points with a 7-for-15 effort from the field, adding five rebounds, three assists, and four steals in 24 minutes. Jamal Cain stands to see increased minutes in the rotation if Wagner misses more time. He was close to a double-double in Monday's win, scoring eight points and grabbing nine rebounds.

Apr 28

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