The Orlando Magic appear to be trending in the right direction and are looking to bounce back from an injury-riddled season and build on the momentum of their short-lived but memorable run in last season's playoffs.
Two of the Magic's stars, Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner, missed significant time last season, hindering Orlando's consistency on offense. However, after parting with head coach Jamahl Mosley in May, the Magic brought on Sean Sweeney to hopefully build on the team's elite defense and unlock their scoring.
However, in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference, reaching contention will be harder now more than ever for a team still searching for its stride. What will the season look like with a finally healthy Magic team and new leadership?
ESPN's staff of experts is looking back at the offseason and taking an early look at the 2026-27 season for all 30 teams, with 30 pieces -- one for every team -- rolling out each weekday through Sept. 18. We're answering the biggest looming questions, evaluating X factors and much more.
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Offseason at a glance
Key additions: C Nikola Vucevic, G Izaiyah Nelson Key subtractions: F Moritz Wagner, G Jett Howard Key retentions: F Jonathan Isaac, G Jevon Carter
The Magic's biggest move this offseason was hiring Sean Sweeney to replace Jamahl Mosley. Orlando also brought Nikola Vucevic back on a one-year, $3.9 million deal since trading him in 2021 and will use his ability to score and shoot to space the floor for Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and Desmond Bane. The Magic blew a 3-1 lead over top-seeded Detroit in the first round of the playoffs after Wagner went down due to injury and were in desperate need of someone who can get easier baskets and make outside shots. Vucevic should help. Moe Wagner departed for Brooklyn via free agency, separating Franz from his brother for the first time in his pro career. -- Ohm Youngmisuk
Zach Kram's offseason grade: D+
Former franchise center Vucevic is returning on a minimum contract, but the Magic have otherwise sat out the offseason since hiring Sean Sweeney as their new coach. Once again, it seems, they're hoping for better health and internal development to fix their problems and vault them out of the middle of the Eastern Conference standings next season. -- Kram
What we learned this offseason
From Ben Golliver's offseason lessons piece: The Magic just wanted a new voice.