BREAK: Orlando Land top key man
The Orlando Magic emerged as one of the biggest surprises in the Eastern Conference this past season. Despite being considered too young to contend seriously, they had their best season in over a decade, securing a fifth-place finish with a 47-35 record. Although they were eliminated by the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first round of the playoffs, the Magic’s 47 wins were their highest since the 2010-11 season when they achieved 52 victories. This marked a significant 13-win improvement from the previous year and ended a three-year playoff absence. Additionally, the Magic clinched the Southeast Division title for the first time in five years.
Key players Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs made notable strides in their development. Banchero earned his first all-star selection, while Suggs was named to the second-team all-defensive roster.
Orlando Magic Expected To Land 3 Major Free Agents This Offseason
As free agency approaches, the Orlando Magic face several critical decisions. With 11 players currently under contract and salaries totaling $104.5 million, the Magic have $36.5 million in cap space.
This amount could increase significantly depending on their choices regarding players with team options. Joe Ingles ($11 million) will not be retained, while Moritz Wagner ($8 million) presents a more difficult decision. Caleb Houstan’s $2.0 million deal is nonguaranteed.
If the Magic choose to remove Ingles, Wagner, and Houstan’s salaries, they could free up around $54.5 million in cap space. This amount could further increase to over $71 million, although they are not expected to waive Jonathan Isaac, who has a $17.4 million nonguaranteed deal.
Free agents Goga Bitadze, Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, and Chuma Okeke (restricted) are not expected to return. Additionally, the Magic hold the No. 18 pick in the NBA draft.
What the Magic Need This Offseason?
While Jalen Suggs, Paolo Banchero, and Franz Wagner provide a strong foundation, the Orlando Magic still have specific needs. They require veteran leadership and a starting point guard to run the offense, although Suggs may eventually fill this role. Additionally, the Magic need to improve their 3-point shooting and add depth at forward.
NBA analyst Keith Smith of Spotrac commented on the Magic’s offseason:
“This offseason is about balance for the Orlando Magic. They need to find balance on the court and in their salary cap. After a significant step forward, Orlando’s future is brighter than it has been since Dwight Howard was traded. The team has young talent, a growing coach, a patient front office, and ample cap flexibility.
Wagner and Suggs are eligible for rookie scale extensions this offseason, which would start in the 2025-26 season. Banchero will be in the same position next year, likely receiving a max extension starting in 2026-27. Extending all three players would consume most of the Magic’s cap space.
Therefore, the window for Orlando to add a high-salaried player is now through the summer of 2025. After that, fitting in another big salary alongside the extended Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs trio will be challenging.
The balance on the roster is delicate. The Magic excelled this season due to their strong defense. To advance further, they need to improve offensively. Being in the bottom third of the NBA in offense won’t lead to meaningful playoff success.
Magic President Jeff Weltman must tread carefully. Acquiring an offensive star who lacks defensive skills could be detrimental. If the team’s elite defense drops to around 10th in the NBA and the offense doesn’t significantly improve, the benefits will be minimal. Currently, the Magic have an elite defense. If that slips and the offense doesn’t reach at least the middle of the pack, the team loses what made it special.
Another factor is the balance of usage among Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs. Banchero ranked 17th in the league in usage, akin to other All-Stars. Wagner was 46th, similar to second or third options. Suggs was around the top-100, appropriate for guards playing alongside playmaking forwards and wings.”
Overall, Orlando’s offseason will be about striking the right balance between maintaining their defensive strengths while improving offensively and managing their salary cap to allow future flexibility.
What Will Orlando Do This Offseason?
According to Eric Pincus of Bleacher Report, Orlando’s strategy in free agency involves targeting Klay Thompson, Malik Monk, and Tobias Harris to bolster their roster.
Klay Thompson, despite not being the player he once was, remains a formidable shooter and leader, attributes the Magic sorely need. Pincus suggests a three-year, $81.9 million contract for the 34-year-old Thompson, emphasizing his fit with Orlando’s defensive prowess and need for floor spacing.
Malik Monk, coming off two impressive seasons, is seen as a valuable addition due to his scoring ability and versatility. Pincus highlights Monk’s career season in 2023-24 and predicts Orlando offering him a contract starting at $20 million as part of a plan to enhance their bench scoring alongside Cole Anthony.
Tobias Harris, often criticized unfairly, is recognized as a quality combo forward who bounced back strongly from a disappointing season. Pincus suggests Harris could provide veteran depth at power forward for the Magic behind Paolo Banchero, potentially offering a starting-caliber option.
By acquiring Thompson, Monk, and Harris, Orlando aims to address their need for shooting, scoring, and veteran leadership while optimizing their roster for both immediate impact and future success.