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Orlando Magic Waive Jonathan Isaac, Save $6.5 M

6/28/2026

37 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Isaac Waived

The Orlando Magic waived forward Jonathan Isaac on Saturday, ending his nine-season tenure.
The move saves the team $6.5 million for the 2026-27 season.
Isaac’s $14.5 million salary was reduced to $8 million guaranteed after the Magic cut him before the June 28 deadline.
He missed the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons with a torn ACL and appeared in only 52 games in 2025-26, averaging 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 10 minutes.

Summary

Isaac Targeted

The Phoenix Suns remain interested in acquiring center Isaac despite signing Mark Williams to a three-year, $38 million contract.
The Sacramento Kings might target Isaac if they trade Domantas Sabonis, pairing him with rookies Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell.
The Orlando Magic posted a 106.1 defensive rating with Isaac on the floor versus 113.7 when he was off the court last season.

Summary

Magic Options

Orlando Magic must decide on Jamal Cain’s option, with Isaac’s waiver opening four roster spots and a contract choice for Izaiyah Nelson.
NBA free-agency clock opens at 6 p.m. Tuesday, with signings set for 12:01 p.m. on July 6 and Isaac to re-sign on a contract if Orlando skips a stretch.
Isaac and the Magic moved his $14.5 million guarantee deadline to June 28, with a program lowering his three-point rate to 25.8 percent from 37.5 percent.

History

Historical Context

In July 1998 the NBA owners locked out players, ending after 204 days on Jan 20 1999, when commissioner David Stern and NBPA director Billy Hunter agreed to a new CBA that capped salaries and introduced a rookie pay scale. The deal forced teams such as the Orlando Magic and Phoenix Suns to cut payrolls, a pattern that still shapes roster moves today.

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Isaac Waived

The Orlando Magic waived forward Jonathan Isaac on Saturday, ending his nine-season tenure.
The move saves the team $6.5 million for the 2026-27 season.
Isaac’s $14.5 million salary was reduced to $8 million guaranteed after the Magic cut him before the June 28 deadline.
He missed the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons with a torn ACL and appeared in only 52 games in 2025-26, averaging 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds in 10 minutes.

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