Compared to others on the list, the Orlando Magic are in a better spot. Still, their heavy commitment to a good but not great roster puts them at No. 2. The Magic are in a similar position to the Cavaliers, invested in their core, except the Magic haven’t gotten out of the first round since 2010.
The team spent heavily on Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane (via trade), Jalen Suggs, and Wendell Carter Jr. Next, Anthony Black is eligible for an extension; otherwise, he’ll hit restricted free agency in July 2027. For a franchise that doesn’t pay luxury taxes, the team is looking at a $33 million bill for 2026-27. Keeping Black past this year, barring cost-cutting trades, will lock the Magic into apron territory.
A healthy roster would go a long way, the team’s greatest obstacle in recent seasons. Perhaps new head coach Sean Sweeney can get more out of the group than Jamahl Mosley, who was let go in May. The New Orleans Pelicans quickly hired Mosley, but Sweeney will face the same obstacles with a pair of talented forwards who occupy similar space on the court. Still, neither is a reliable floor-spacing shooter from three-point range.
While salaries are high, the Magic have some available draft capital to trade for either their 2032 or 2033 first-round pick; otherwise, the team is limited to swaps in 2027, 2031, and one of 2032/33. Orlando also has 6-7 second-rounders.