Jonathan Isaac Waived by Magic, Top Landing Spots in NBA Free Agency

The Orlando Magic waived forward Jonathan Isaac on Saturday.

NBA insider Jake Fischer first reported the news.

The 28-year-old has spent his entire career with the Magic after they selected him with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2017 NBA draft.

While Isaac averaged a career-low 2.6 points in 10.0 minutes per game during the 2025-26 regular season and missed the end of the year due to a knee sprain, his defensive versatility could still result in teams showing interest in him as a free agent.

The Phoenix Suns may be a suitor for Isaac in free agency, even after reportedly agreeing to a three-year contract worth $38 million with center Mark Williams on Thursday.

The Suns also boast young frontcourt options such as Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro, but Isaac can step in as an experienced option for head coach Jordan Ott to work with.

A similar situation could unfold for the Sacramento Kings, as Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell both showed promise as rookies.

Domantas Sabonis also remains on Sacramento's roster, although he's been mentioned in trade rumors ahead of free agency.

If the Kings ultimately part ways with Sabonis, they may decide to bring in a veteran such as Isaac to join Raynaud and Cardwell.

The New York Knicks are coming off a championship victory for the first time in 53 years, but backup center Mitchell Robinson may depart in free agency. Reserve big man Ariel Hukporti is also set to become a restricted free agent.

With New York not planning to go into the second apron, its front office might view Isaac as a cheaper alternative to Robinson.

Although Isaac has struggled to return to form following a torn ACL that kept him out for two seasons from 2020-22, he's still made his presence felt defensively when available.

After all, the Magic owned a 106.1 defensive rating with him on the floor last season compared to a 113.7 defensive rating with him off the court (via NBA.com).

Free agency will begin on Tuesday at 6 p.m. ET.