TITLE: Orlando Faces Rising Costs and On-Court Questions After Disappointing Season
SLUG: orlando-magic-brace-for-costly-offseason-after-underwhelming-2025-26-campaign
CONTENT:
The Orlando Magic enter the final stretch of the 2025-26 season with a 29-25 record and a growing list of issues that extend beyond injuries.
Health setbacks continue to pile up, the latest being Wednesday’s announcement that forward Franz Wagner is out indefinitely with a high left ankle sprain. Even so, the roster’s availability problems are only part of the club’s decline.
Defensive slippage has been pronounced. After finishing second and third in defensive rating the previous two years, Orlando has fallen to 14th despite Thursday’s lopsided win over the Sacramento Kings, who have dropped 15 straight.
Perimeter shooting also remains a shortcoming. The Magic traded for guard Desmond Bane last summer to bolster spacing, yet the team stands 24th in made three-pointers, 23rd in attempts and 27th in accuracy.
Paolo Banchero’s impact is under scrutiny as well. For the fourth consecutive season, lineup data shows Orlando performing better with the 23-year-old off the floor than on it. The former No. 1 overall pick signed a rookie-scale maximum extension last offseason, intensifying focus on his production.
Rising payroll complicates matters further. Banchero’s new deal—and other salary commitments—will push team spending sharply higher when the new league year begins on July 1, setting up a challenging summer of decisions for the front office.
Source: Hoops Rumors
