The Orlando Magic waived forward Jonathan Isaac on Saturday, a move driven by a looming salary deadline. Had the team kept him past Sunday, his $8 million guarantee would have ballooned to a fully guaranteed $14.5 million for the 2026-27 season, according to a league source.
Isaac, the No. 6 pick in the 2017 draft, played just 75 games in his second season before a torn left ACL in August 2020 sidelined him for two years. Over nine seasons with Orlando, the 6-foot-10 forward never fully regained his early promise, though he remained a versatile defender when healthy.
The waiver clears a roster spot and significant cap room for the Magic entering a critical offseason. With several free-agent decisions looming, the front office gains added financial flexibility to pursue upgrades or retain core pieces currently on expiring deals.
Isaac now becomes an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team. At 28, his defensive skills could attract contenders seeking a low-risk addition, though his injury history may temper interest.
"He was a great teammate and worked incredibly hard to get back," one league insider noted, while acknowledging the business decision. Another scout cautioned that Isaac's availability remains a major question mark heading into free agency.