Orlando Magic Free Agency: Nikola Vucevic, Jevon Carter and Jonathan Isaac Return as Moritz Wagner Leaves for the Brooklyn Nets
WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA BROOKS
The Orlando Magic continued to reshape their roster on Day 2 of NBA free agency, adding veteran depth while reinforcing a team built to contend in the Eastern Conference. After a quiet day to start the Free Agency period around the association, Orlando focused on strengthening its frontcourt and overall experience in day two. Headlined by the reported return of former All-Star center Nikola Vučević as the franchise continues to build around its young core.
Nikola Vucevic Is Back in Orlando
The Orlando Magic are bringing back a familiar face.
Nikola Vucevic has agreed to a one-year deal with Orlando worth just under $4 million. The 15-year NBA veteran spent nine seasons with the Magic from 2012-21, becoming one of the franchise’s most productive centers before being traded to the Chicago Bulls in 2021. After a stint with the Boston Celtics following a 2025 trade, Vucevic is headed back to Orlando.
Now, he’s back where it all began.
The soon-to-be 36-year-old averaged 15.1 points, 8.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists while shooting 36.9% from 3-point range during the 2025-26 season.
Widely regarded as one of the best centers in franchise history, Vucevic appeared in 591 games during his first stint with Orlando. He ranks third in franchise history with 10,423 points, second with 6,381 rebounds and third with 550 blocks.
The 6-foot-10 center gives Orlando another experienced presence in the frontcourt and marks one of the team’s biggest free-agency additions as preparations begin for NBA Summer League and the 2026-27 season.
Jevon Carter Agrees to One-Year Deal
Vucevic wasn’t the only veteran returning to Orlando.
Guard Jevon Carter, who joined the Magic on a rest-of-season contract after arriving from Chicago earlier this year, has reportedly agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million deal to remain with the team.
Carter provides valuable depth and veteran experience after spending time with seven NBA franchises. In 30 regular-season games with Orlando last season, he averaged 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game. Carter is known for his relentless defensive intensity and ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc.
Jonathan Isaac Returns for 10th Season
The Magic also agreed to re-sign forward Jonathan Isaac to a one-year contract, keeping the former first-round pick in Orlando for his 10th NBA season.
Selected by the Magic in the 2017 NBA Draft, Isaac has appeared in 528 career games with Orlando, totaling 2,240 points and 1,475 rebounds. Although injuries have limited his availability in recent seasons, his defensive versatility and length continue to make him a valuable piece of Orlando’s frontcourt.
Moritz Wagner Heads to Brooklyn
Meanwhile, another longtime Magic player is headed elsewhere.
Moritz Wagner has reportedly agreed to a two-year, $19 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets. Wagner spent six seasons in Orlando, becoming a fan favorite with his energy and physical style of play. With the Magic reshaping their frontcourt, the veteran forward will begin the next chapter of his career in Brooklyn.
More Moves Could Be Coming
With NBA free agency still underway, Orlando may not be finished making moves.
As the offseason continues, expect the roster to keep evolving as the Magic look to build on last season and position themselves for another playoff run.
WRITTEN BY: OLIVIA BROOKS
