The Orlando Magic could break up their core roster if they fail to meet expectations this season, according to team and league sources cited by The Athletic’s Sam Amick. Despite speculation that Anthony Black might be the odd man out, insiders say the Magic plan to keep the 22-year-old guard and instead consider moving other high-paid players if the team continues to struggle.
The Magic entered the season with a payroll just $2.5 million below the NBA’s second apron threshold, carrying large contracts for Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs, each earning over $30 million annually on long-term deals. Adding Wendell Carter Jr.’s $19.6 million further pushes Orlando’s commitments above $180 million for five players. Black did not reach an extension with the team this summer and is set to become a restricted free agent next offseason, which has fueled questions about how his contract would fit into the Magic’s long-term salary structure.
Sources told Amick the Magic made their strong interest in Black clear during the summer negotiations but were unable to agree on terms. Black has stepped into the starting lineup since Suggs suffered a right knee bone bruise on 25 October, responding with career-high averages of 17.8 points, six rebounds, and 5.5 assists across eight games. The team and front office, including first-year coach Sean Sweeney, are focused on maximizing the current roster’s potential before making any major decisions.
Orlando’s current 4-7 record and negative net rating of minus-5.0, ranking 21st in the league, reflect the challenges the team faces. Injuries to key players Banchero and Suggs have complicated assessments of whether Sweeney can get the most from this group. The Magic suffered a costly first-round playoff exit last season after blowing a 3-1 series lead against the Detroit Pistons, which led to Jamahl Mosley’s replacement by Sweeney as head coach.
The Magic’s president of basketball operations, Jeff Weltman, faces difficult choices if the team misses the playoffs or falls short again in the first round. Rival executives have speculated about Black’s availability, but sources close to the Magic have pushed back against the idea he would be traded. Instead, breaking up the rest of the core remains an option if the team does not improve.
With so much salary cap space already committed, trading one of the established starters might be easier to justify than trying to retain everyone. Weltman could start with the backcourt, where Suggs and Black can play together but the team may question the need for both as long-term starters. Moving Bane, despite his higher salary, would cost the Magic some of the shooting they sought when acquiring him. Trading Carter could save money but would require replacing a starting center in a tight market. Shifting Banchero or Wagner would be a bigger gamble over which forward can lead the franchise.
The Magic’s front office is waiting to see how the team performs when healthy before making final calls. But the combination of a hefty payroll, recent playoff failures, and Black’s emergence as a promising young guard has put the organization on a tight timeline to decide its future direction.
According to Yahoo Sports.
