Hanifan's Offseason Outlook: Evaluating the Orlando Magic's 2025 offseason

For our second annual offseason outlook series, Hot Hot Hoops senior writer Matt Hanifan will provide his take on the offseasons of all 30 teams for the next 30 days! We will proceed in alphabetical order, starting with the Eastern Conference. Today, we will be evaluating the Orlando Magic’s offseason.

Past Previews:

Sept. 1: Atlanta Hawks
Sept. 2: Boston Ce l tics
Sept. 3: Brooklyn Nets
Sept. 4: Charlotte Hornets
Sept. 5: Chicago Bulls
Sept. 6: Cleveland Cavaliers
Sept. 7: Detroit Pistons
Sept. 8: Indiana Pacers
Sept. 9: Milwaukee Bucks
Sept. 10: New York Knicks

Evaluating the Orlando Magic’s 2025 offseason:

Additions: Desmond Bane, Tyus Jones, Justin Minaya, Lester Quinones, Jamal Cain, Reece Beekman, Orlando Robinson, Colin Castleton

Subtractions: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Gary Harris, Cole Anthony, Caleb Houston, Corey Joseph, Mac McClung, Trevelin Queen, Ethan Thompson

Re-signed: Paolo Banchero, Moritz Wagner

Draft: Jase Richardson (No. 25 overall), Noah Penda (No. 32)

Hanifan’s outlook: I was very high on the Magic heading into last season. But they were one of the most injury-riddled teams in the sport, losing Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs all for a substantial amount of time at different points of the season.

Orlando ultimately finished an even 41-41, getting bounced in five games as the No. 7 seed to the Boston Celtics in the first round.

Magic president Jeff Weltman was adamant this summer about wanting to win now, and he struck early by acquiring Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane in the summer’s first big blockbuster.

Bane is a significantly improved ballhandler and decision-maker while also averaging 20.2 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.1 steals on 40.7 percent shooting from 3-point range over the last four seasons.

In translation: He’s very good at basketball.

Hanifan’s Offseason Outlook: Evaluating the New York Knicks’ 2025 offseason

Once again, the Magic were one of the worst offensive teams in the sport — largely attributed to their lack of floor spacing. Bane, rookie Jase Richardson — whom I was a big fan of pre-draft — and Tyus Jones, among others, help alleviate those struggles. There’s no question that their offense is more dynamic, but will it lead to success in a wide open East?! Time will tell.

Grade: B+

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