Magic Make Decision On Dunk Contest Champion Mac McClung originally appeared on The Spun.
2025 saw NBA journeyman Mac McClung become the just the second three-time winner of the NBA Slam Dunk Competition and the first to win three in a row. But what does his NBA future look like with the Orlando Magic?
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Not too bright, as it turns out.
According to NBA reporter Keith Smith of Spotrac, the Magic have decided to withdraw their qualifying offer to McClung. As a result, he is now an unrestricted free agent and able to sign anywhere.
“The Orlando Magic have withdrawn the qualifying offer for Mac McClung, a league source told @spotrac. McClung is now an unrestricted free agent,” Smith wrote.
The news isn’t especially surprising given the minimal playing time McClung saw with the Magic last year, or in the NBA overall. He played a grand total of 10 minutes over two games for the Magic last season and has only seen 76 total minutes on the court in six games over four years.
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Some NBA fans believe that McClung’s release could be a blessing in disguise as it lets him find a team more suited for him.
“Checks all the boxes, Hornets should be all over this,” one user remarked.
“Shocked to see but Orlando always does right by their players. Potentially opening up his ability to find a roster where he has a path to playing time,” wrote another.
“Any team who want goodwill and TV airtime coverage sign McClung and during the NBA Slam Dunk contest, your team color will be on national TV…” a third wrote.
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – FEBRUARY 18: Mac McClung #9 of the Philadelphia 76ers and former professional basketball player Julius Erving and pose with the trophy after McClung’s victory in the 2023 NBA All Star AT&T Slam Dunk Contest at Vivint Arena on February 18, 2023 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Others feel that if McClung’s NBA career is over, it could spell the end for the Slam Dunk Contest too.
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“Dunk contest about to become a thing of the past.”
“Get this guy signed somewhere. He is saving the dunk contest.”
“If no team picks him up, nobody should call him up for the dunk contest if that’s the only time the wanna find him useful.”
On the plus side, if McClung really is done perhaps the NBA will find some new way to entice players to actually participate in the Dunk Contest for a change.
Related: Mac McClung Announces Decision On Basketball Future
Magic Make Decision On Dunk Contest Champion Mac McClung first appeared on The Spun on Jul 3, 2025
This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.