League sources anticipate the Orlando Magic to pursue a commerce earlier than the deadline with the purpose of slipping beneath the luxurious tax threshold, in line with ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst.
Orlando presently sits roughly $5.6 million over the tax line, so transferring Tyus Jones and his $7 million expiring contract could be one easy solution to resolve the rapid challenge.
Nonetheless, Bontemps and Windhorst be aware that such a transfer would solely present short-term reduction and wouldn’t meaningfully ease the group’s long-term wage pressures.
Wanting forward, the Magic are projected to be in second-apron territory subsequent season and are additionally anticipated to start discussions with guard Anthony Black on a rookie-scale extension that may begin in 2027/28.
Based on the ESPN report, rival executives are watching carefully to see whether or not Orlando would possibly attempt to shed longer-term cash both at this deadline or in the course of the offseason.
There may be additionally curiosity across the league about whether or not the group has any second ideas relating to the utmost contract extension it awarded Paolo Banchero final summer time.
“Banchero is a bodily gifted and extremely proficient participant who doesn’t at all times make his group higher, and it reminds you at occasions of Carmelo Anthony in that means,” one Western Convention govt mentioned.
“He’s younger, and I’m certain they imagine that he can mature right into a participant who does that. However I’d guess (Orlando) is worried about having given him a full max with an decide out.”
Commerce Rumors: Magic, Raptors, Celtics, Cavs, Thunder, AD https://t.co/emAj8Dfjnt pic.twitter.com/cDHJaQIsxG
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 30, 2026
