Orlando Magic Reportedly Open To Breaking Up Their Core If Team Falls Short Of Expectations Again
According to The Athletic’s Sam Amick, team and league sources have pushed back on the idea that Black would be the odd man out and indicated that breaking up the rest of the core is very much on the table if the Magic fall short of expectations once again.
Key points
- Depending on what happens from here, the notion of Orlando breaking up its core (outside of Black) if the Magic fall short of expectations again is clearly in play.” “As for Black, the Magic made their strong interest in him clear during the negotiations in the summer but ultimately couldn’t reach a deal.
- With a payroll like this (just $2.5 million below the dreaded second apron threshold), and a playoff track record that hardly justifies the exorbitant cost (three consecutive first-round losses), tough roster choices are coming for the team’s president of basketball operations, Jeff Weltman.
- The internal focus now — from the front office to first-year coach Sean Sweeney on down — is on making the most of this current roster and taking it from there.” “As it stands, the injury-riddled Magic are just 4-7 with a net rating of minus-5.0 that is 21st in the league.
Mandatory Credit: Rob Gray-USA TODAY Sports The Orlando Magic might be willing to break up their core and let one of their highest-paid players leave rather than let Anthony Black walk.
Additional details
- 25, is on a career-high pace in scoring (17.8 per game), rebounds (six per), assists (5.5) and minutes (31.5) in eight games played.” The Magic are 4-7 with a minus-5.0 net rating, and they have lost in the first round in the last three years.
- Banchero’s extension has already kicked in, and the Magic have already committed $161.2 million to him, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs for the 2027-28 season, in addition to the $19.6 million owed to Wendell Carter Jr.
- Especially if history repeats itself — or even worse — this time around.” “All of which has rival executives wondering if Anthony Black might eventually be available.” “The 22-year-old guard didn’t come to terms with the Magic on an extension during the summer, and is now on track to be a restricted free agent next offseason.
- Last season’s exit was very costly, as the Magic blew a 3-1 series lead against the Detroit Pistons, then replaced Jamahl Mosley with Sean Sweeney.
- Trading him could save money, but the Magic would still have to replace a starting center, which is not going to be cheap in this market.
How this summary was made: extractive summary — built from the sources' own reporting. It is drawn only from the reporting of the sources listed below — read the originals for full detail. How we summarize →
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