The Orlando Magic want to take the next step. They returned to the playoffs in 2024, but have an ascending superstar in Paolo Banchero. Orlando wants to build a serious contender around him but needs roster upgrades to make that a reality.
The Magic drafted Tristan da Silva with the 18th overall pick in 2024. It was a bit of a gamble, but the 23-year-old should be ready to play quickly. Orlando needs depth and more talent to round out their depth chart.
There is no time to waste. Free agency begins on Sunday evening, and players will be changing teams rapidly. The Magic should focus on making these moves, including letting some of their current players leave to improve their roster.
5. Say goodbye to Markelle Fultz, Gary Harris, and Joe Ingles
Fultz and Harris are unrestricted free agents, so the move is declining Ingles's $11 million team option for the 2024-25 season. It allows Orlando to create some additional cap space and puts them at 11 contracts with da Silva. The Magic have the space and flexibility to add pieces that better fit their roster.
Letting Fultz, Harris, and Ingles go creates a massive need for a guard/wing. The Magic hope Anthony Black and Jett Howard are ready for nightly roles, but Orlando must add pieces.
Orlando wants to sign a marquee free agent, but this cannot be the only thing. The Magic must build out their roster. They have cap space and the full mid-level exception at their disposal. Spending around the NBA will be limited, so Orlando could convince multiple free agents to join their franchise.
They must focus on their current roster too. The Magic have two key young pieces up for extensions and the franchise must keep from overpaying them.
4. Lock in Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs long-term
The Magic had two top-ten picks in the 2021 NBA Draft that are extension-eligible this offseason. Wagner's shooting dip in year three was disappointing, but he is Orlando’s second-best player. He will be searching for a massive contract, and Suggs blossomed into one of the league’s best defenders in his third season. Both are key parts of the Magic’s present and future.
Orlando does not want to force either into restricted free agency. They would have the right to match any offer they received next summer, but doing so can offer hurt the relationship. Ideally, Wagner and Suggs are key pieces of the Magic’s core for the next 15 years. That means maintaining a healthy relationship throughout.
The Magic would be wise to get both players locked up because the salary cap is only going up with the new television deal. Wagner and Suggs will sign for less than the max, which means their contracts will only get better as they age.
The Orlando Magic should be busy working out new deals with Jalen Suggs and Franz Wagner. Those contracts are crucial parts of their long-term success, but the franchise cannot just keep their young talent. They must add pieces and use their cap space to improve the roster for next season and beyond.
3. Find a big man
The Magic have Wendell Carter Jr. on a bargain contract for the next two seasons, but his backup is a bit of a question mark.
Goga Bitadze is an unrestricted free agent this offseason and will look for more money elsewhere.
Orlando has an $8 million team option on Moe Wagner. The franchise would love to keep him but may need additional cap space to land a marquee target.
Wagner is expected to return, but the Magic still need a third big man. They would love to add another forward too behind Paolo Banchero and Jonathan Isaac. Isaac’s injury history is well documented, so relying on him to play significant minutes throughout the 82-game grind is not wise. Can Orlando get a hybrid big man that can play a consistent role?
The Magic need an option or two to round out their roster. There are larger issues elsewhere on their roster, but building their depth is key. Orlando did not have enough trusted options in the playoffs and it cost them against the Cavaliers. Finding someone who sticks in their postseason rotation would be ideal.
The Magic will fill this hole, but they have two larger issues to address elsewhere.
2. Add a ball-handler
Paolo Banchero led the Magic by averaging 5.4 assists per game last season. Franz Wagner was second with 3.7 each night. Cole Anthony led their point guards with just 2.9. Assists are not everything, but Orlando desperately needs a lead playmaker to run their offense.
Jalen Suggs will start and play significant minutes. He blossomed into an elite defender but is not a traditional point guard. Suggs is better in an off-ball role where he can space the floor and attack closeouts. He should be viewed as the backcourt partner to their lead ball-handler.
Orlando’s other current options are second-year players Anthony Black and Jett Howard or Cole Anthony. The 2023 lottery picks barely played as rookies. Anthony remains a score-first option who is not a lead ball-handler. All three should be in their rotation, but there is still room and touches available.
The Magic need an answer, but no starting point guard is available in free agency. They could target Tyus Jones, but even he is best as a reserve option.
Orlando desperately needs a ball-handler and playmaker. Finding one should be a priority. The franchise wants to maximize Banchero and Wagner, which only happens with a point guard getting them easier looks.
1. Sign KCP in free agency
The Magic have significant cap space and should use the majority of it on a key contributor. With no true point guard available, Orlando should pivot to finding an elite 3-and-D wing. Fans have heard them linked to multiple names, but Kentavious Caldwell-Pope is the most likely target.
KCP won championships with the Lakers and Nuggets as he blossomed into an elite role player. He spaces the floor, sinks open shots, and can guard multiple positions. Caldwell-Pope is not going to complain about shots or touches. The 31-year-old plays his position and makes his team better.
Signing KCP, a point guard, and a big man gives Orlando depth and firepower going into next season. Banchero, Wagner, and Suggs should all be significantly better, which gives the Magic a shot at making a deep run. The Eastern Conference is wide open behind the defending champion Celtics, and Orlando is looking to become a serious threat.
Can the Orlando Magic sign a difference-making free agent? Do they find their missing pieces? It won’t be easy, but that is how the franchise takes the next step. Player movement is just getting started, so stay tuned to see what the Magic can pull off.