No elephant in the room, What do we do about J.Isaac

[VFX]

Nothing.

He’s built into the fabric of this organization and is too injury prone to trade.

Everyone just has to accept he isn’t reliable at all.

[three3d]

Nothing.

He’s built into the fabric of this organization and is too injury prone to trade.

Everyone just has to accept he isn’t reliable at all.

Send him to Boston or OKC and take whatever they give you back, better than 16 minutes a night for us when he does play

[msmoore66]

I find this topic funny... when you find another 7 ft that can play his level of defense for 10% of the cap, you can replace him. Good luck finding that guy.

He has played 21 of 26 games this season. And if we're being honest, our medical staff is ultra conservative with injuries so he would likely play more on other teams.

Yeah pretty much this. We all know what he is, and it's pretty much impossible to replace.

I do agree with the sentiment echoed further down the page that it's sad knowing he probably won't be this further down the track when we are in our supposed championship window. That doesn't mean we don't enjoy him now though. Fingers crossed that window comes sooner while he is still effective.

[msmoore66]

Nothing.

He’s built into the fabric of this organization and is too injury prone to trade.

Everyone just has to accept he isn’t reliable at all.

Send him to Boston or OKC and take whatever they give you back, better than 16 minutes a night for us when he does play

How is that better than the mins he does play for us? When he does play is usually fantastic. It's the fact he doesn't play that much that's frustrating. Although not been out for long periods this year so far.

[SOUL]

I don't get the "I'd rather have nothing than the DPOY minutes Isaac gives even if it's only half the season" lol

[VFX]

I don't get the "I'd rather have nothing than the DPOY minutes Isaac gives even if it's only half the season" lol

I mean.. sure.

But who else can you get for $25m? And can they play more than 16mpg for more than 60 games a season?
I'm sure there is actually a huge list of players that could fit that also check those boxes.

I'm not saying Isaac isn't impactful.

However, you are gonna have to argue that there aren't players that could be more impactful AND more available based on the construction of Orlando's roster.

Paolo plays 36-38mpg in close contests…

Is Paolo's backup more important than a legitimate starting PG?
Is Paolo's backup more important than potentially a starting Center?
Is Paolo's backup more important than a sixth man PG-SF that plays 20+ minutes a game for an entire season?

It's kind of silly to assume NO... nobody can replace a 16mpg guy that has played more than 60 games once in 8 seasons y'know?

This coming from someone that appreciates Isaac for what he DOES do when hes on the court.

Its not really Isaac or nothing IMO in this argument. It's Isaac as an asset vs what he would return comparative to what he actually provides on a court WHEN he's even available.

[msmoore66]

I don't get the "I'd rather have nothing than the DPOY minutes Isaac gives even if it's only half the season" lol

I mean.. sure.

But who else can you get for $25m? And can they play more than 16mpg for more than 60 games a season?
I'm sure there is actually a huge list of players that could fit that also check those boxes.

I'm not saying Isaac isn't impactful.

However, you are gonna have to argue that there aren't players that could be more impactful AND more available based on the construction of Orlando's roster.

Paolo plays 36-38mpg in close contests…

Is Paolo's backup more important than a legitimate starting PG?
Is Paolo's backup more important than potentially a starting Center?
Is Paolo's backup more important than a sixth man PG-SF that plays 20+ minutes a game for an entire season?

It's kind of silly to assume NO... nobody can replace a 16mpg guy that has played more than 60 games once in 8 seasons y'know?

This coming from someone that appreciates Isaac for what he DOES do when hes on the court.

Its not really Isaac or nothing IMO in this argument. It's Isaac as an asset vs what he would return comparative to what he actually provides on a court WHEN he's even available.

Who are the players though?

[SOUL]

Isaac's technically only super overpaid this year, to get to the salary floor, otherwise the rest of his contract, even if his schedule makes him miss 30 games a year, is still worth what he is. It's not as if he'd be overpaid for 80% of his contract.

[Residual-Heat]

yeah it doesnt matter what he's being paid this year at this point, offseason is over. He's on a reasonable and non-guaranteed contract. It was and is a good move by the FO when they signed him to that contract.

[anothermagicfan]

Trade JI to a championship contender like Boston or OKC because THATS who would want him???????

If championship contenders are the teams that want him exactly why in the flying **** would we not want him?

His contract value for this year is extremely team friendly for the future. You know what the future is? The point in time where with the new CBA is extremely difficult to keep multiple max players together and surround them with a good supporting cast. Does that sound anything like Paolo, Franz and Suggs all being extended from their respective rookie contracts???

Most players at JI age are in their prime years and capitalizing on future contracts. They become more expensive each season. He took a bonus now so his pay for the next few years will be significantly less towards the salary cap and it's also not guaranteed. If he's hurt and broken and can never show up again we can cut him.

The only loss in this situation for the magic would to be shortsighted and trade him.

[fendilim]

yeah it doesnt matter what he's being paid this year at this point, offseason is over. He's on a reasonable and non-guaranteed contract. It was and is a good move by the FO when they signed him to that contract.

Agreed. His deal was also restructured to +8 million from the original because we are required to reach the floor. Its actually a genius move.

[Skybox]

His deal is fantastic and his play, even in limited minutes, is very impactful.

BUT, the way his deal is structured is very attractive to other teams too. IF (IF IF IF ) there was a really big deal brewing (not a fringe add like Schroder or Sexton as commonly discussed- think more like De'Aaron Fox), Isaac would provide the large portion of matching salary (this year) but the descending terms would be even more appealing going forward...so, maybe, one less frp or prospect would need to be added, etc...I'd only consider moving Isaac for that kind of scenario, despite the injury fears that will haunt us for his entire career. We all know it could end any minute.

[Anti Chalmers]

I think everyone accepted the fact that he will never be the guy we can rely on to play every night. Just hope he plays 50-60 games a year and be ready for the playoffs. His contract is flexible so Magic will probably just cut him if his health doesn't improve once Paolo max kicks in or restructure his contract to a much cheaper deal if he wants to stay.

[drsd]

I don't get the "I'd rather have nothing than the DPOY minutes Isaac gives even if it's only half the season" lol

And-1

Isaac is PERFECT playing off-ball to M-Wagner.

[VFX]

Trade JI to a championship contender like Boston or OKC because THATS who would want him???????

If championship contenders are the teams that want him exactly why in the flying **** would we not want him?

His contract value for this year is extremely team friendly for the future. You know what the future is? The point in time where with the new CBA is extremely difficult to keep multiple max players together and surround them with a good supporting cast. Does that sound anything like Paolo, Franz and Suggs all being extended from their respective rookie contracts???

Most players at JI age are in their prime years and capitalizing on future contracts. They become more expensive each season. He took a bonus now so his pay for the next few years will be significantly less towards the salary cap and it's also not guaranteed. If he's hurt and broken and can never show up again we can cut him.

The only loss in this situation for the magic would to be shortsighted and trade him.

Why OKC or Boston only?

I’ve already answered this question. Jonathan Isaac doesn’t play basketball enough and isn’t reliable relative to who can for the price point and role on this roster.

People here are just infatuated with what this guy happens to provide once every two weeks for 16 minutes.

I love JI the person, I know some don’t. I appreciate his ridiculously elite skillset. He DOES change the game WHEN he plays. I hate that he will never be able to live up to what he actually provides. He gets a minor cramp during a game and he’s out for two weeks. That’s insane.

There are simply bigger concerns with this roster rather than hoarding an asset that never sees the court and plays spot minutes behind Orlando’s #1 option in the rest of those “healthy” minutes.

How is this a shortsighted take? Guy has been in a Magic uniform for 6 seasons and plays 50+ games twice. Hes not even a starter anymore and hasn’t been factored into anything this team is trying to accomplish for the past 4 seasons.

Are you saying you’d cut a broken asset, rather than move him for something? Why? Why would anyone care if he plays in Denver for 40 games next season for 15 minutes at a time?

Again, I don’t really care about what they do with Isaac. But I’m also not going to pretend hes being perfectly utilized here as an untouchable asset that must be kept by all means necessary like some here are willing to argue. He likely won’t be moved anyway. JI is merely a litmus test for homer takes at this point.

[anothermagicfan]

Trade JI to a championship contender like Boston or OKC because THATS who would want him???????

If championship contenders are the teams that want him exactly why in the flying **** would we not want him?

His contract value for this year is extremely team friendly for the future. You know what the future is? The point in time where with the new CBA is extremely difficult to keep multiple max players together and surround them with a good supporting cast. Does that sound anything like Paolo, Franz and Suggs all being extended from their respective rookie contracts???

Most players at JI age are in their prime years and capitalizing on future contracts. They become more expensive each season. He took a bonus now so his pay for the next few years will be significantly less towards the salary cap and it's also not guaranteed. If he's hurt and broken and can never show up again we can cut him.

The only loss in this situation for the magic would to be shortsighted and trade him.

Why OKC or Boston only?

I’ve already answered this question. Jonathan Isaac doesn’t play basketball enough and isn’t reliable relative to who can for the price point and role on this roster.

People here are just infatuated with what this guy happens to provide once every two weeks for 16 minutes.

I love JI the person, I know some don’t. I appreciate his ridiculously elite skillset. He DOES change the game WHEN he plays. I hate that he will never be able to live up to what he actually provides. He gets a minor cramp during a game and he’s out for two weeks. That’s insane.

There are simply bigger concerns with this roster rather than hoarding an asset that never sees the court and plays spot minutes behind Orlando’s #1 option in the rest of those “healthy” minutes.

How is this a shortsighted take? Guy has been in a Magic uniform for 6 seasons and plays 50+ games twice. Hes not even a starter anymore and hasn’t been factored into anything this team is trying to accomplish for the past 4 seasons.

Are you saying you’d cut a broken asset, rather than move him for something? Why? Why would anyone care if he plays in Denver for 40 games next season for 15 minutes at a time?

Again, I don’t really care about what they do with Isaac. But I’m also not going to pretend hes being perfectly utilized here as an untouchable asset that must be kept by all means necessary like some here are willing to argue. He likely won’t be moved anyway. JI is merely a litmus test for homer takes at this point.

You are entitled to your opinion about the magic just as much as I am. My thoughts are that the magic are better with JI on the roster than they are without him especially considering his hit to the salary cap after this season. I don't expect 35mpg for 75 games a season. I do expect that having him suit up in the playoffs and square off against guys like Embiid is not something easily replaceable. Maybe there's better value for the money across the league but if those players aren't in a magic uniform they do us no good.

[Fortune Teller]

I don't get the "I'd rather have nothing than the DPOY minutes Isaac gives even if it's only half the season" lol

Why is "nothing" the only alternative when he has the highest salary on the roster and you could absolutely get someone who contributes every game for $25 mil? And why are we required to assume he's the guy who managed to play 58 games last year, rather than the guy who played 11 games the year before that, and 0 games the year before that, and 0 games the year before that? Isaac doesn't average 60 games a season at only 16 mpg -- that's a best-case scenario when all the stars are aligned. Yes, his salary goes down to $15 mil next season, but he could also play 20 games next season. It's not unreasonable to factor all these things into the equation.

[ORLMagicGirl15]

I don't get the "I'd rather have nothing than the DPOY minutes Isaac gives even if it's only half the season" lol

Why is "nothing" the only alternative when he has the highest salary on the roster and you could absolutely get someone who contributes every game for $25 mil? And why are we required to assume he's the guy who managed to play 58 games last year, rather than the guy who played 11 games the year before that, and 0 games the year before that, and 0 games the year before that? Isaac doesn't average 60 games a season at only 16 mpg -- that's a best-case scenario when all the stars are aligned. Yes, his salary goes down to $15 mil next season, but he could also play 20 games next season. It's not unreasonable to factor all these things into the equation.

Probably because he already played 21 games so far, so he’s not the JI that played 11 games before that or 0 games before that.

[eyriq]

I'd like to trade him for Cam Johnson

[RookieStar]

I'd like to trade him for Cam Johnson

Trading elite defense for average offense? ( by average i mean Magic curse will deduct 5% from career 3pt% once a player put on a Magic jersey )