The Orlando Magic made a financially motivated roster move Saturday, releasing forward Jonathan Isaac just 24 hours before his salary for the 2026-27 season would have become fully guaranteed.
By parting ways with Isaac when they did, the Magic avoided paying him $14.5 million for next season. Instead, the team is now on the hook for just $8 million.
ESPN reports that Orlando chose not to spread that $8 million obligation over seven years, which leaves the door open for Isaac to potentially rejoin the Magic if he doesn’t land a more attractive offer elsewhere.
Isaac, 28, struggled through the most difficult statistical season of his seven-year NBA career in 2025-26. Playing exclusively off the bench across 52 games, he put up career-low numbers — averaging just 2.6 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 0.4 assists per game.
The Magic originally brought Isaac into the organization when they selected him with the sixth overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft out of Florida State. He has spent his entire professional career in Orlando, although injuries forced him to miss the 2020-21 and 2021-22 seasons entirely.
Across 328 career NBA appearances, including 109 starts, Isaac holds career averages of 6.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.7 assists per game.
