Instant Grade: Magic Get Creative With Jonathan Isaac Signing

Instant Grade: Magic Get Creative With Jonathan Isaac Signing

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Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac is going through the revolving door after being waived by the team earlier in the week and coming back just a few days later.

Orlando Sentinel reporter Jason Beede was the first to report the news.

"Breaking News: The #Magic are signing Jonathan Isaac to a one-year deal, a league source tells the @orlandosentinel," Beede tweeted.

Jonathan Isaac Returns to Magic on Discount

The Magic wanted Isaac back in the fold, but not at the $14.5 million price tag he was owed on his contract. Cutting him saved Orlando $8 million, but some of that will be used to likely sign a new minimum contract.

Therefore, the Magic keep Isaac as a reliable backup power forward and defensive-minded big man, but at a price that aligns more with how much he's expected to play. Isaac isn't going to play much for the Magic and he likely won't be in Sean Sweeney's 10-man rotation, but he can step up and slide in whenever he's needed.

This is a smart move from president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman and the rest of the front office, keeping a familiar face in Isaac while getting him on a discount. Waiving him is a sign that the Magic may have regretted giving him the long-term deal to begin with, but Orlando doesn't like to think too far ahead in terms of these contracts.

The Magic gave themselves several chances to opt out of the Isaac deal, but their loyalty to him is part of why Orlando is willing to give him another deal on a smaller price tag. The Magic were right to move on from their original deal with Isaac because he wasn't playing enough or have the same impact to warrant the contract he once had.

The Magic could have signed another player with this contract, but these roles should be given out to veterans who can build the team more off of the court than on it. Isaac is a good locker room guy to have, especially at this minimum salary.

It's a good move for both sides as the Magic save some money and give themselves flexibility for the future while Isaac gets to remain with the only franchise he's ever played for and he gets to keep his family in the City Beautiful for another year.

Orlando now has 14 roster spots filled with the 15th possibly going to rookie second-round pick Izaiyah Nelson.

Jeremy Brener is an editor and writer for Orlando Magic On SI. He has been a credentialed member of the media for the Orlando Magic since 2022. He graduated from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener.

3 Free Agents Knicks Must Now Target to Replace Mitchell Robinson

3 Free Agents Knicks Must Now Target to Replace Mitchell Robinson

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With James Dolan's mandate to stay below the second apron, Mitchell Robinson's departure was expected, if not a foregone conclusion. That doesn't make it any easier for Knicks fans to contextualize having to say goodbye a fan favorite who was also the longest-tenured Knick.

The front office doesn't have time to dwell, though. With both Robinson and third-string center Ariel Hukporti gone, Karl-Anthony Towns becomes the only center on the roster. So who are the most realistic free agent targets to replace Robinson?

1. Kevon Looney

I wrote about Kevon Looney as a likely option just a few days ago, and still think that he's a very likely option. Looney isn't the explosive athlete or lob threat that Robinson is. But he's still a solid backup center.

The former Warrior played in just 21 games as a Pelican last season, though he's been much more healthy than Robinson in the years prior. He also logged a 62.5% contested offensive rebounding percentage while averaging 5.6 offensive rebounds and 1.2 blockers per 36 minutes this past campaign.

All those numbers are below Robinson's. But what Looney gives up in those areas, he makes up for with his passing.

The veteran big man isn't a primary playmaker, though he is a better connective passer than Robinson ever was or will be. Looney averaged an impressive four assists per 36 minutes in two of his last three seasons. His added passing could be a weapon off the bench for for Mike Brown, who was an assistant coach of Looney's in Golden State.

With the Pelicans looking to shed salary and stay young, it's unlikely they bring Looney back. If the Knicks want him, they can likely convince him to take a minimum to compete for a ring and play for his former assistant coach. That being said, New York could be concerned about his mobility and health, so he's not the only guy they should bring in.

2. Andre Drummond

Andre Drummond will now likely be available with Philadelphia having signed Hukporti Wednesday morning.

Drummond is a flawed player, who can leave fanbases pulling their hair out and scratching their heads. As Knicks fans saw this past postseason, his defense, especially when asked to switch or play drop coverage, can be abysmal. But he does one thing incredibly well. And it happens to be the thing they'll miss the most from Robinson.

Even as he ages, Drummond remains an elite offensive rebounder. In fact, he's still one of the best in the league. He had a 72% contested offensive rebounding percentage, which was just slightly lower than Robinson's. And he was third in the league in offensive rebounds per 36 minutes.

Robinson is the better offensive rebounder at this point in their careers, and he's a significantly better defender overall as well. But if the Knicks want to continue having offensive rebounding be an important part of what they do, Drummond may be their best option.

3. Nick Richards

Nick Richards has some offensive skills and a softer touch than many of the remaining free agent centers. So there is some offensive upside there. But that's about it.

He is not a great defender, struggles with making quick decisions, and doesn't make connective plays often. Richards also lacks physicality—something the Knicks have prided themselves on over the last few seasons.

But, the Knicks have reportedly been interested in him for a while now. With their options quickly thinning, they may take a flyer on the former first-round pick and hope that he can develop into a tougher rebounder and a more willing defender.

Given Brown's work in helping Towns become a true menace, there's a chance he could have similar success with Richards, especially given the latter would receive plenty of attention as the main backup. Playing in a championship environment surrounded by leaders like Towns and Jalen Brunson could also see Richards embrace the challenge and improve on the defensive end.