Magic Make Roster Move: Jonathan Isaac Waived
The Orlando Magic waived forward Jonathan Isaac on Saturday, saving $6.5 million before his salary guarantee. Despite being owed $8 million, the Magic's decision not to stretch his contract leaves the door open for his potential return. Isaac's career has been heavily impacted by injuries, including a torn ACL and a recent sprained knee.
The Orlando Magic officially waived forward Jonathan Isaac on Saturday, a strategic move made just before his $14.5 million salary was slated to become fully guaranteed on Sunday. This decision has significant financial implications for the team, allowing Orlando to save an estimated $6.5 million. While Isaac is still owed $8 million, the Magic chose not to stretch this salary over seven seasons. This particular financial maneuver leaves open the possibility for the 6-foot-10 power forward to potentially return to Orlando, should he not secure a contract with another team during free agency.
Isaac, originally drafted sixth overall by the Magic in 2017, has had a tenure marred by persistent injuries. Throughout his nine seasons with the team, he only managed to play 70 or more games on two occasions. A major setback in his career was a torn left ACL, which forced him to miss two full seasons, 2020-21 and 2021-22, entirely.
In his most recent season, Isaac participated in 52 games, where he averaged 2.6 points and 2.5 rebounds. However, his season was cut short due to a sprained left knee, preventing him from playing in the final 22 regular season games and the entirety of Orlando's first-round playoff series loss to Detroit.