TL;DR – Both sites think we're probably going to sit pat, maybe try (and fail) to get something for Jones to get us under the tax. Similar to what the sub seems to think.

The Athletic:

Tier 5: Standing Pat

Orlando Magic You're stuck where you are

The Magic have married themselves to this exact roster, and any further tinkering would probably be after they (hopefully) have a playoff run. However long that is.

ESPN:

Tier 4: Watching the bottom line

The status in Orlando

The Magic have three options at the deadline:

1. Do nothing. Orlando has not made a regular-season trade since February 2023 and isn't known to shake up its roster when competing for a playoff spot.

2. Pursue financial flexibility. The Magic are $5.6 million above the luxury tax and could explore trading the expiring $7 million contract of Tyus Jones in a salary dump. Jones provides insurance for the oft-injured Jalen Suggs, who is on pace to play fewer than 45 games for a second straight season.

3. Add to bench scoring. The Magic rank 25th in bench scoring, including a third straight season in the bottom five in 3-point shooting. But they have financial constraints.

The Magic are nearing the second apron next season and are not in a position to take back salary that stretches into next season.

Because of the salary restrictions, the team signed Jones to a one-year contract and declined the fourth-year team option for former first-round pick Jett Howard.

Did you know…

Before acquiring Desmond Bane in June, Orlando had gone a year without making a trade. The last transaction was June 2024, when the Magic sent the draft rights to Antonio Reeves to New Orleans for second-round swaps in 2030 and 2031.

Top draft assets to use in trades:

• 2032 first

Other notable draft assets:

• Swaps: 2027, 2031, 2032
• Eight seconds