NBA Rumors: Magic 'Necessitating Trade' for Jonathan Isaac?
ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic has very little space currently on its roster, which means a trade or two could be happening soon with free agency just days away.
Among those who could be dealt is forward Jonathan Isaac, who has sat on the sidelines more often than he has seen the court in his six-year career.
Bleacher Report believes the Magic will seek out a deal for Isaac this offseason.
"Isaac is only 25, but all those absences have led to more than enough questions about his long-term health to necessitate a trade," Bleacher Report writes.
Isaac is fighting for minutes at the power forward position in Orlando and No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero is blocking his way towards the starting lineup. However, the Magic isn't looking to trade Isaac anytime soon.
"I fully anticipate Jonathan to roll with us and be an important guy for us next year," Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said.
Isaac may not be a starter, but Orlando has invested significant time and money towards him despite his setbacks, all of which are hopefully behind him. Should Isaac showcase a similar performance to what he brought in his brief appearances this season, he will be a key contributor for the Magic this upcoming season.
The Magic could have parted ways with Isaac awhile ago, but the team is hoping that its patience will pay off. Orlando signed Isaac to a four-year, $69.9 million extension in Dec. 2020, four months after tearing his ACL. Now, the Magic is approaching the back-end of that deal, but because he didn't play in 2020-21 or 2021-22, this year's contract holds a partial guarantee, while next year's doesn't have any.
With no guarantees for the 2024-25 season, Isaac is playing for his job this upcoming season. If it works out, the Magic will reap the benefits of its patience. If not, Orlando will soon find a replacement for his spot on the roster.
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