Magic Convert Jamal Cain’s Contract; Mosley Eyes Defensive Edge as Skid Hits Three
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The Orlando Magic have elevated forward Jamal Cain from a two-way agreement to a standard NBA contract, the club announced Friday. The new deal spans the remainder of this season and includes a team option for 2026/27, according to HoopsHype’s Michael Scotto.
The promotion arrived on Cain’s 27th birthday. “I’ve been waiting four years for that,” he told reporters Saturday before Orlando’s home meeting with the Los Angeles Lakers. “All the hard work and grind is paying off.” Cain had spent his entire NBA tenure on two-way contracts.
Head coach Jamahl Mosley praised the forward’s approach. “He comes in with joy, a work ethic, a professionalism every single day—what we ask our guys to do night in and night out,” Mosley said.
Three-Game Slide After Seven Straight Wins
Orlando enters Saturday on a three-game losing streak following seven consecutive victories. Mosley was ejected for the first time in his head-coaching career during Thursday’s blowout loss in Charlotte after receiving two technical fouls in the second quarter.
“Mose always goes to bat for us,” guard Desmond Bane said. “Definitely like the fire, and it’s on us to match that on the court.”
Previewing the matchup with the Lakers—winners of eight in a row—Mosley emphasized defense and ball movement: “In front of our home fans, we’ve got to scrap, continue to fight, play with intensity, urgency and joy for one another. Our defense has to set the tone.”
Carter Cleared to Return
Starting center Wendell Carter Jr. (bruised left rib) has been upgraded from questionable to available for Saturday’s game, the team said. The injury kept him out of Thursday’s contest.
Source: Hoops Rumors
