The Magic are declining the team options for Moritz Wagner and Caleb Houstan, reports ESPN’s Shams Charania (via Twitter), making the two players unrestricted free agents.
Wagner’s team option was for $11MM while Houstan’s was for $2.1MM. Turning down both will allow the Magic to retain some financial flexibility after they traded for Desmond Bane. Charania notes that the team retains both players’ Bird rights, meaning that a reunion remains possible for either or both of them.
Wagner has been with the Magic for over five seasons, and has averaged 10.5 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 1.3 assists while shooting 32.9% from three over the last four years as a reserve center. His 2024/25 season was cut short in December by a torn ACL, which he is still recovering from.
Wagner appeared well on his way to a career year in 2024/25, as he had averaged 12.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game with a .360 3PT% through his first 30 contests. According to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype (Twitter link), the Magic have interest in bringing him back.
Houstan, the former 32nd pick in the 2022 draft, has been in and out of the rotation over his three seasons in Orlando, but has become a strong shooter at 6’8″ and is still only 22 years old. He converted a career-best 40.0% of his three-point tries in 2024/25.
Interesting on Mo Wagner, although 11M seems a tad much. . Lots of teams are going to be looking at him as a rotation big.
Man they’d do well to find a taker on Wendell Carter while his match is still tolerable this year
Tough ask but I’d sell as low as Maxi Kleber expiring straight up to get outta it if Orl
As a laker fan I’d hate it but can’t look past the possible desperate vibes they may portray here in the next couple days. Vultures should be circling
Crunch, you have a league leading batting average, but this was a strike.
What’s the problem with Carter in Orlando? Defense-first banger that doesn’t need the ball, and complements Hans and Paolo vey well. They gave him his deal only a few months ago. Right-sized at $19M.
is He’s right-priced Orlando is committed to Carter.
Never been a fan, on a team with a less imposed cap sheet I might not fret as much but Orl is getting into an area I’m not sure they can fully operate at (at least comfortably)
Shaving off WC’s 2/38 remaining after this year goes a long way . Don’t like the fit either. Im a low key Goga fan as well so that probably doesn’t help my eyeline and Im curious what a Banchero at the 5 for 4 mins (ish) a half looks like
Gotcha. I think KCP at 2/$43M is the contract Orlando drops with Bane’s arrival.
Orlando won’t invest in the C position beyond Carter and Goga. In crunch-time you’ll see Anthony Black along with Bane, Suggs, Wagner, and Bachero
Kcp already gone in that trade
Been a crazy 10 days understandable you forgot
Issacc and WC are the numbers Imo they need to bleed away if possible
You are right about KCP. Time for me to pack it in.
Till 3 tomorrow
How you here everyday and forgot about kcp lol Aristotle
Brain fart. Happens more than I’d like to admit :–)
I didn’t foresee Mo Wagner becoming available.
There will be a solid market for him, especially with Portis committing to Milwaukee today.
I think somehow Orlando will bring Wagner back, he is so important for the team, not to mention that he is not like Bronny or Thanasis, this guy, Mo Wagner, really can play. He is not only Franz’s brother, but he is also a good role player, his defense is outstanding, and he can score in different ways. Besides, he is one of the best in the league at taking charges. I really hope that Orlando can re-sign him.
Wagner at 10 mill is decent. He’s coming back from injury, ACL. So probably won’t be 100% till December. He’s a solid big. Especially for teams that need one. Lakers, Warriors, Hornets, Raptors.
I’m not surprised when you’ve been on 4 teams in 3 seasons and have only played 70 plus games once in your career and you’re coming back from a year long serious knee injury.