The Orlando Magic are one of the more up-and-down teams in the NBA at the moment. At times, they seem like one of the stronger teams in the league but the consistent injuries and inconsistent shooting presumably make them a candidate to make a move or two by the deadline. However, even with their above .500 record, they could be sellers rather than buyers.
Bleacher Report released an article, giving bold trade deadline predictions for every NBA franchise. The Magic's prediction: the team will trim salary and duck the luxury tax.
"The Orlando Magic aren't quite as close to their target line as some other teams around the league, but shedding $5.6 million in salary is far from impossible," the article wrote. "And there's a pretty obvious trade candidate who could help them erase that gap."
Orlando has plenty of sizable contracts on the books at the moment, including their longest-tenured player, Jonathan Isaac. The 28-year-old has dealt with numerous injuries throughout his career and his defensive skillsets could be attractive to other teams.
"Jonathan Isaac is making $15 million this season, while averaging 10.4 minutes and 3.1 points," the article wrote. "Some rebuilding team might be willing to absorb a big chunk of that money in exchange for a second-round pick or two. Knowing that each of the following seasons on that contract are non-guaranteed should make a move more palatable too. When you consider how expensive Orlando will be next season (Jalen Suggs will be making over $32 million, while Desmond Bane, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner will all be over $39 million), delaying that first year in the tax (and by extension, repeater tax penalties) almost feels urgent."
Other contracts set to expire following the season include Moritz Wagner and Tyus Jones. Wagner recently returned from injury after missing a full calendar year following his ACL injury and Jones has been somewhat underwhelming in his role as the veteran backup guard. The Magic are filled with young talent such as Anthony Black, Jase Richardson, Noah Penda and Tristan da Silva. Parting with these veterans could open up larger roles for these young assets to develop.
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