The Orlando Magic waived veteran forward Jonathan Isaac on Saturday, June 27, 2026, ahead of a crucial deadline to avoid fully guaranteeing his salary for the upcoming season, according to league sources reported by Hoops Rumors, Bleacher Report, and the Orlando Sentinel.
The roster move prevents Isaac’s scheduled $14.5 million salary for the 2026-27 season from becoming fully guaranteed on Sunday.
>>> KNMI Issues Nationwide Orange Weather Alert as Severe Storms End Heatwave
Orlando remains responsible for an $8 million guaranteed portion, but the decision erases non-guaranteed seasons previously contracted for 2027-28 and 2028-29.
Financial Impact and Roster Flexibility
By parting ways with the 28-year-old forward, the Magic gain significant financial flexibility.
The Orlando Sentinel reported that the transaction lowers the franchise's projected luxury tax payment from approximately $16.5 million down to roughly $10 million, while creating additional breathing room beneath the league's strict second apron salary-cap threshold.
Orlando can choose how to handle the remaining $8 million dead cap hit.
According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line via Hoops Rumors, the Magic could stretch the $8 million over seven years at $1.14 million annually, though Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel reported that the team is currently leaning against that option.
If the Magic retain the full $8 million charge on their books for this season, they preserve the right to re-sign Isaac to a minimum-salary contract after he clears waivers.
If stretched, he would be barred from returning until the original contract duration expires.
