3 difficult offseason decisions Magic will have to make
By Luke Duffy
![Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors attempts to steal the ball from Markelle Fultz of the Orlando Magic (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) Fred VanVleet of the Toronto Raptors attempts to steal the ball from Markelle Fultz of the Orlando Magic (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/2289aea25c38ab1d5ca2ab4b001fa672ee62efdb651a7c581972ca7a28491d27.jpg)
1. Do they finally cut ties with Jonathan Isaac?
Everybody was disappointed to see Jonathan Isaac again go under the knife to solve an adductor issue recently, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season.
This issue was always likely to happen, but seeing Issac break down so soon after coming back from more than two years out injured, felt like the final nail in the coffin of his Magic career.
In all, Isaac managed to play 11 games before going down again, never playing for more than 16 minutes, and appearing in only one back-to-back on a heavy minutes restriction.
Important to keep in mind as we digest the Jonathan Isaac news:
— Orlando Magic HQ (@OMagicHQ) March 3, 2023
His 2023-24 contract is only guaranteed for $7,600,000. His $17,400,000 contract will become fully guaranteed on 1/10/24.
Interesting decision for the front office to make ahead of next season. #MagicTogether pic.twitter.com/qz3eto0zYO
There is no doubt when Isaac is healthy, he is a defensive menace. In his short stint back on the court, the Magic had the best defensive rating in the entire league, a hugely promising sign.
But we know now Isaac will never be able to stay healthy for long enough to make a real difference during the course of a season. To think otherwise would be foolish.
Yes, he could still come good when the team needs him, such as during a playoff run. But that is no longer a guarantee either.
So is now the time to see what, if anything, the Magic can get in return? Is a first round pick too sweet for another organization to give up?
Next. Tragedy of Jonathan Isaac's injury will not define Magic. dark
If you reversed the roles, you would not like to see the Magic make that kind of deal. But not every other team is on the same upward trajectory, and those franchises have more time on their sides.
It feels like this is the offseason that Isaac and the Magic part ways and if that is the case, what comes next will be hugely important as they seek to become a playoff-level team next season.