After losing a 3-1 lead against the Detroit Pistons in the 2026 NBA Playoffs, the Orlando Magic have already made one huge decision.
On the hot seat before the first round even began, the Magic parted ways with Jamahl Mosley (h/t ESPN senior insider Shams Charania), who went 196-233 as the team’s head coach after five seasons. Mosley laid a terrific defensive foundation for the Magic, an identity that they’ve often hung their hats on. However, with three consecutive seasons finishing 19th or worse in offensive rating, Orlando clearly needs help at the offensive end. To that point, although Tom Thibodeau is rumored to be a potential replacement for Mosley (h/t Newsday Sports reporter Steve Popper), they’d be better off bringing Billy Donovan back to Florida.
What Should The Magic Do In The 2026 Offseason?
Whichever route the Magic take, the choice should be made sooner rather than later. Give the head coach as much time as possible to instill their philosophy and install their playbook. Give Paolo Banchero and Co. as much time as possible to absorb it. Additionally, with the upcoming NBA Draft and free agency period nearing, it would be ideal if the new head coach had some measure of input about the personnel he’ll be equipped with.
2026 NBA Draft
Heading into the 2026 NBA Draft, the Magic are only projected to have one selection, slotted at No. 46 overall. That being said, the redundancy of Suggs or Black’s skill sets isn’t ideal but it does make it easier to see where they could use help. At the same time, Orlando’s Jase Richardson –the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft –can’t be dismissed. After knocking down 41.2% of his 3s as a one-and-done at Michigan State, Richardson made 40.7% of his catch-and-shoot attempts in the 2025-26 regular season.
As has long been evident though, Orlando just needs to add shot-makers and shot-creators around Banchero. With the 46th pick, Orlando should be targeting Arizona senior Jaden Bradley. A captivating off-the-dribble scorer and efficient spot-up shooter in 2025-26, he could complement Suggs and Black well. Capable of playing on and off ball at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, he should be able to strike a balance with Richardson. Notably, he also projects to be a better defender than Cole Anthony was, making his acquisition that much more feasible.
Though a first round talent, Ohio State guard Bruce Thornton may slide in the draft due to his senior status. If he manages to slip to the middle of the second-round, he’d be an even better option than Bradley. Though Bradley is a career 36.6% 3-point shooter, his 3-point attempt rate (18.0%) is rather low for a combo guard. Conversely, Thornton has converted 38.1% of his career 3s with a 37.9% 3-point attempt rate.
Free Agency
This offseason, the Magic has two particularly important decisions to make:
(1) Whether to retain Jonathan Isaac past June 28, when his $14.5 million salary for the 2026-27 season becomes fully guaranteed. There’s no question that he didn’t live up to his first extension, playing 11 total games over the first two seasons of his new deal. His touch far too off-center over the past two seasons, hasn’t lived up to the four-year, $59 million contract he signed in 2025 either. Rather than continuing to pay him to live like a prince, they should cut ties with Isaac (who’ll turn 29 years old in October).
(2) After waiving Isaac, they can turn their attention Black’s contract. Eligible for a rookie scale contract extension, Black’s up-and-down tenure in Orlando makes his appraisal difficult. Based on his impact and potential, he should arguably be paid a salary between that of New Orleans Pelicans wing Herb Jones ($14.9m) and Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels ($25m). Thus, a $20 million annual salary looks like the sweet spot for Black, but negotiations may not be that easy.
Jett Howard, selected 11th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft, is up for an extension as well. As a recently drafted lottery pick, the Magic may feel obligated to see him develop a little further. Converting 37.2% of his 3s in the 2025-26 regular season only helps him. However, Howard is unproven enough for Orlando to play the wait-and-see game. And with what’s soon to be an expiring contract, he could actually become a prized trade piece.
The Magic also have three veterans to consider re-signing: Moritz Wagner, Jevon Carter and Jamal Cain.
So far as Wagner is concerned, his spot on the roster is penciled in so long as Franz Wagner is in town. At the end of the day, his younger brother is a major piece of Orlando’s puzzle. As a result, the Magic –like other franchises –will want to appease their rising star. The big man’s versatility and energy help quell the concerns about his recent injuries.
Signed in early February after a 23-game stint with the Chicago Bulls, Carter initially got plenty of burn in Central Florida. Yet, his outside touch disappeared, so he was on the outside looking in during the playoffs. Due to his veteran status, it’s possible that Orlando keeps him on the roster. More likely though, is that they let him walk.
The same can’t be said for Cain, whose explosive poster dunk over Detroit Pistons center Jalen Duren in the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs ignited all kinds of trash talk. Because that type of primetime highlight can make players an enduring fan favorite, Cain’s value now extends beyond the court. Though he isn’t likely to be the face of the franchise, he’s a potential ticket-seller. That might not seem like it should matter, but the NBA is a business. Besides, Cain shot 38.4% from 3 in the 2025-26 regular season and impressed with his defense in the postseason.
Additional Moves
Following these moves, this is what the Magic’s depth chart could look like heading into 2026-27:
Jalen Suggs, Anthony Black, Jaden Bradley
Desmond Bane, Jase Richardson, Jamal Cain
Franz Wagner, Jett Howard, Noah Penda
Paolo Banchero, Tristan da Silva
Wendell Carter Jr., Moritz Wagner, Goga Bitadze
Essentially, they’re bringing back the same core. Richardson and Bradley should get a fair chance at modernizing the backcourt. Howard could very well be the additional 3-point threat that they could use on the wing. Internal improvement will be essential.
If there’s one big move that the Magic can make, it’s negotiating a trade for a true stretch center. The easiest way to make the game easier for Banchero is to move bigs out of the paint. Wendell Carter Jr. shooting 31.6% from beyond the arc isn’t giving anyone a fright. Trading for a hybrid big like Al Horford (Golden State Warriors) or Bobby Portis Jr., both of whom have made over 37 percent of their career 3s, could.
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