Magic PF Jonathan Isaac on Trade Block?

Jonathan Isaac has played in just 11 games for the Orlando Magic since 2020-21. Should that warrant a spot on the trade block?

Jeremy Brener | Apr 16, 2023

Mike Watters-USA TODAY Sports

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Orlando Magic

ORLANDO - The Orlando Magic is hopeful that Jonathan Isaac can return to form next season.

In his first NBA action in over two years this season, Isaac played in 11 games before an adductor injury forced him to undergo surgery and miss the rest of the year.

Bleacher Report commended Isaac for his return and believes he can still be an effective player in the league for next season and beyond.

"Isaac showed in this season's cameo that he still had the skill package that made him one of the NBA's most promising defenders," Bleacher Report writes. "The 6'11" frame, long arms, lightning-quick hands, high-revving motor, smart rotations and two-steps-ahead anticipation were all on display as he piled up 14 steals in 124 minutes."

But Bleacher Report also thinks Isaac could be a trade target this offseason ... and the Indiana Pacers could be an option for him.

"Isaac is set to make $34.8 million across the next two seasons, but only $7.6 million is guaranteed," Bleacher Report writes. "Indiana is in a position to take a flier, even if we're all justified in looking at Isaac's intention to be ready for the start of 2023-24 skeptically. Ultimately, the potential payoff makes the risk worthwhile."

Isaac is fighting for minutes at the power forward position in Orlando and No. 1 overall pick Paolo Banchero is blocking his way towards the starting lineup. However, the Magic isn't looking to trade Isaac anytime soon.

"I fully anticipate Jonathan to roll with us and be an important guy for us next year," Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said.

Isaac may not be a starter, but Orlando has invested significant time and money towards him despite his setbacks, all of which are hopefully behind him. Should Isaac showcase a similar performance to what he brought in his brief appearances this season, he will be a key contributor for the Magic this upcoming season.

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Published Apr 16, 2023

JEREMY BRENER

Jeremy Brener is an editor, writer and social media manager for several Fan Nation websites. His work has also been featured in 247 Sports and SB Nation as a writer and podcaster. Brener has been with Fan Nation since 2021. Brener grew up in Houston, going to Astros, Rockets and Texans games as a kid. He moved to Orlando in 2016 to go to college and pursue a degree. He hosts "The Dream Take" podcast covering the Rockets, which has produced over 350 episodes since March 2020. Brener graduated in May 2020 from the University of Central Florida with a Bachelor's degree in Broadcast Journalism minoring in Sport Business Management. While at UCF, Brener worked for the school's newspaper NSM.today and "Hitting the Field," a student-run sports talk show and network. He was the executive producer for "Hitting the Field" from 2019-20. During his professional career, Brener has covered a number of major sporting events including the Pro Bowl, March Madness and several NBA and NFL games. As a fan, Brener has been to the 2005 World Series, 2010 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 NCAA National Championship between the Villanova Wildcats and North Carolina Tar Heels. Now, Brener still resides in the Central Florida area and enjoys writing, watching TV, hanging out with friends and going to the gym. Brener can be followed on Twitter @JeremyBrener. For more inquiries, please email jeremybrenerchs@gmail.com.