2025 Orlando Magic Preseason Preview
The Orlando Magic finished with 47 wins and 35 loses last season. They were eliminated in the first round of the Eastern conference playoffs. The Magic are an interesting team on paper for a couple of reasons. Their highest paid player is Jonathan Isaac, who will make 25 million dollars this year before his new, four year, contract kicks in next year which has him earning 15, 14.5, 14.5, and 15 million over the next four season respectfully. 25 million is the lowest amount for a highest paid player on a team in the NBA (2nd: Detroit; Tobias Harris; 25.3 million). Additionally 7 of their players are on rookie contracts, and 11 of them have been in the league for 4 or fewer years. Orlando is young and Orlando is good.
(AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Former first overall pick Paolo Banchero saw a notable jump in production last season, increasing FG%, 3P% and assist numbers after winning rookie of the year in 2023. He is joined by a cast of solid first round draft picks made by Orlando in the recent years including Cole Anthony, Jalen Suggs, and Franz Wagner. Last year rookie Anthony Black showed some promise in his limed run, and Orlando is looking to continue their solid draft streak by selecting Tristan da Silva, a sharp shooter from Germany who spent 4 years playing at Colorado.
Orlando is entering win mode, and to aid in that endeavor they signed Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (KCP) over the off season. The veteran is entering his 12th year in the league and brings with him the experience of two NBA championships.
Orlando’s front office deserves praise for more than just drafting. In addition to Isaac’s declining pay scale, KCP, Wendell Carter Jr., and Goga Bitadze will each earn less next season than this. By front loading contracts while their players on rookie scale contracts play above their pay, the Magic stand to be in a reasonably safe cap situation, having recently extended Jalen Suggs and will look to do the same with Moritz Wagner and Paolo Banchero prior to next season. Orlando should improve naturally over an already impressive year lear. With sizable contracts that they’d be comfortable moving, a roster of young and developing players, and a front office that has been more than competent in recent years, they could make a play to put them in solid contention in the Eastern Conference.
