League sources expect the Orlando Magic to pursue a trade before the deadline with the goal of slipping below the luxury tax threshold, according to ESPN’s Tim Bontemps and Brian Windhorst.
Orlando currently sits roughly $5.6 million over the tax line, so moving Tyus Jones and his $7 million expiring contract would be one straightforward way to solve the immediate issue.
However, Bontemps and Windhorst note that such a move would only provide short-term relief and would not meaningfully ease the team’s long-term salary pressures.
Looking ahead, the Magic are projected to be in second-apron territory next season and are also expected to begin discussions with guard Anthony Black on a rookie-scale extension that would start in 2027/28.
According to the ESPN report, rival executives are watching closely to see whether Orlando might try to shed longer-term money either at this deadline or during the offseason.
There is also curiosity around the league about whether the organization has any second thoughts regarding the maximum contract extension it awarded Paolo Banchero last summer.
“Banchero is a physically gifted and highly talented player who doesn’t always make his team better, and it reminds you at times of Carmelo Anthony in that way,” one Western Conference executive said.
“He’s young, and I’m sure they believe that he can mature into a player who does that. But I’d guess (Orlando) is concerned about having given him a full max with an opt out.”
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