Orlando Magic Daily
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5 Orlando Magic players who likely will not return next season

By Andres Rosero

Apr 25, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (14) shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 25, 2021; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Gary Harris (14) shoots the ball against the Indiana Pacers during the first quarter at Amway Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports /
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Terrence Ross, Khem Birch, Orlando Magic
Terrence Ross and Khem Birch have both made major contributions to a second unit that is proving to be a problem for Orlando Magic opponents. Mandatory Credit: Shawn Thew/Pool Photo viaUSA TODAY Sports /

Terrence Ross

Another casualty of the Orlando Magic’s current roster construction. Terrence Ross is the longest-tenured Magic player currently on the roster — the last player remaining originally acquired by Rob Hennigan.

His legacy on the Magic should be noted.

Ross quickly established himself as the second unit flamethrower for the Magic — averaging about 15 points per game in the last three seasons off the bench. Ross has often (unfairly) been burdened with attempting to single-handedly shoot the Magic out of particularly abysmal offensive performances in the past — a symbol of the lack of perimeter scoring that has plagued Orlando for years.

Ross excels in his role as a bench scorer and it is no surprise the Magic have been hesitant to move him due to his value on a team bereft of offensive production.

Like Gary Harris, Terrence Ross is on a contract that will become increasingly team-friendly over the remaining years of the deal (he has two years and $24 million left on his contract). Also like Harris, Ross will be on a roster whose timeline does not fit his own.

In addition to the return of Jonathan Isaac, the forward rotation will change dramatically based on the Magic’s three draft selections this year. Should the Magic select at least one more forward, there may be a push to give these young players the playing time over established veterans like Ross.

There were several rumors during the trade deadline that Ross could be moved and with his contract only becoming more valuable, all signs should be pointing towards the Magic flipping Ross to an offensively starved team in exchange for greater draft positioning.