The Orlando Magic are putting the finishing touches on their roster ahead of the 2026-27 season. One of the players whose future is uncertain is forward Jonathan Isaac, who was waived earlier this week. The move cleared roughly $6.5 million in cap space, giving the front office flexibility as it shapes the roster.

Even after the waiver, there is reason to believe the Magic could bring Isaac back on a deal that is less than what he was slated to earn. Isaac was the No. 6 overall pick in the 2017 NBA Draft, and his defensive instincts have long been valued. With Sean Sweeney entering his first year as head coach, the team could benefit from a veteran who understands the defensive schemes the new staff wants to install.

Orlando extended Isaac in 2024 after he returned strongly from a previous injury, but he was unable to live up to the postseason hype he showed two years earlier. This past season a knee strain kept him out of the playoffs, and even when healthy he was unlikely to crack the postseason rotation. Nonetheless, his presence on the bench provides depth, and his teammates have spoken about his popularity in the locker room.

Isaac’s size and ability to guard multiple positions also give him a role in stabilizing the big-man rotation, which is bound to change during the offseason. He can slip into a stretch-four role, protect the rim on switches, and offer a reliable passing outlet from the high post. Those tools make him a practical option as the Magic experiment with younger front-court pieces and adjust lineups.

Beyond on-court contributions, keeping Isaac at a reduced salary would preserve continuity in a locker room that values chemistry. The Magic have already moved on from several high-priced veterans, and retaining a well-liked leader could smooth the transition for younger players. The decision on Isaac will be a key factor in how Orlando balances financial flexibility with roster stability as it prepares for a competitive Eastern Conference schedule.