Full Breakdown
Orlando Magic Waive Veteran Forward Jonathan Isaac to Gain Salary-Cap Flexibility
6/28/2026, 6:48:09 AM
The Waiver Decision
On June 27, 2026, the Orlando Magic placed forward Jonathan Isaac on waivers. The No. 6 2017 draft pick was set to earn $14.5 million in 2026-27, but the waiver limits the team’s obligation to $8 million, avoiding the $6.5 million guarantee that would have taken effect on June 28.
Injury History and Contract Background
Isaac missed the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons after a torn left ACL and later a left-knee sprain. He signed a five-year, $84 million extension in July 2024, overseen by President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman, with a guarantee trigger at 52 games. He played 52 games last season, averaging 2.6 points, 2.5 rebounds and about 10 minutes. His career averages are 6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds and 1.2 blocks.
Financial Implications and Cap Strategy
Waiving Isaac frees $6.5 million in cap space, moving the Magic below the NBA’s second-apron threshold. Projected luxury-tax liability falls from roughly $16.5 million to about $10 million for 2026-27, the first such payment in over a decade. The team could have used a waive-and-stretch deal to spread $8 million over seven years, but elected not to.
Potential Destination and Market Interest
The Phoenix Suns, Sacramento Kings and New York Knicks have been mentioned as possible suitors for Isaac. The Suns recently signed Mark Williams to a three-year, $38 million contract, while the Kings and Knicks could use Isaac as a veteran complement.
Official Statements & Responses
The Magic said the waiver creates needed financial flexibility before free agency and the NBA summer league. The team confirmed Isaac becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 6, when new contracts may be signed. No comment on a possible re-signing was given.
Criticism & Opposition
Critics note that Isaac’s defensive impact—evidenced by a 106.1 defensive rating with him versus 113.7 without—has been lost. The decision not to stretch the contract, while freeing cap space, suggests the Magic still value his defensive abilities.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Reports differ on Isaac’s career games—WESH lists 328, ClutchPoints 335. Some sources call $8 million “owed,” others “guaranteed.” The status of a formal stretch-option decline remains unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “To be sure, the Magic are just waiving Jonathan Isaac,” — Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel
- “They are not waiving and stretching the $8 million still owed to him, I’m told.” — Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel
- “They are not waiving and stretching the $8 million still owed to him, I’m told. This would allow him to return to Orlando if he doesn’t sign elsewhere as a free agent.” — Jason Beede, Orlando Sentinel
- “If Orlando stretched him, however, the team wouldn’t be allowed to bring Isaac back for the remainder of the stretched timespan.” — Orlando Sentinel
What’s Next
Isaac can negotiate from 6 p.m. June 30; free-agent signings start 12:01 p.m. July 6. Orlando now has four standard-contract spots and must decide on Jamal Cain’s option while assessing rookie Izaiyah Nelson’s contract.
