Pre-Draft Outlook
This is a team that has been patient through rebuilding by refusing to take shortcuts. The downside is Orlando has missed the playoffs nine of the last 11 seasons and hasn’t reached the East semifinals since 2010. Essentially, the Magic are still searching for an identity since Dwight Howard was dealt — yes, it has been that long. The good news is they finally have a solid young base with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, Cole Anthony, Wendell Carter Jr. and Markelle Fultz. By stockpiling assets, Orlando has put itself in position to make trades and upgrade talent at one or two spots. Or the Magic can stay the course and wait until those players begin to tap into their prime. Either way, the Magic’s playoff drought should end in another season or two.
The Way To Go
Orlando is loaded with options here. The team is comfortably under the salary cap and can chase free agents, or make trades with players on the roster and add more quality help, or use its two first-rounders (Nos. 6 and 11), or trade one of them. Is Orlando ready to take the next step? Then a trade of picks and/or players will happen. But if the Magic feel this Draft is front-loaded with quality players, then they’ll keep both picks, add more youth, and see what happens. The best scenario is keeping one of the picks and packaging the other for help, which covers all the bases. It’s a good problem to have for a developing team Given everything there is to work with, nobody should be busier leading up to the Draft than Orlando.
— Shaun Powell
Here’s a quick look at who the Orlando Magic have under contract, who is a free agent this summer and who they added in the 2022 NBA Draft.
Under Contract
G: Cole Anthony
G: Markelle Fultz
G: Gary Harris
G: Kevon Harris
G: Caleb Houstan
G: Jay Scrubb
G: Jalen Suggs
F: Paolo Banchero
F: Jonathan Isaac
F: Chuma Okeke
F: Franz Wagner
C/F: Bol Bol
C/F: Wendell Carter Jr.
Free Agents
G: Michael Carter-Williams (team option)
F: Admiral Schofield (team option)
F/C: Moritz Wagner (unrestricted)
C/F: Goga Bitadze (player option)
> 2023 Free Agent Tracker
Last Year’s Draft
2022: Paolo Banchero (1), Caleb Houstan (32)
* = acquired via trade
** = traded in draft-night deal
*** = traded in offseason deal