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Magic Roster and Projected Starting Lineup After Making Major Moves

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated Jul 2, 2025 12:37 AM ET

The Orlando Magic have been active since the NBA free agency started. They made significant moves to address their needs heading into the 2025-26 season. Even before the offseason started, the Magic had one of the most surprising moves by trading away their starting shooting guard.

Orlando shipped Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Memphis Grizzlies for Desmond Bane. They also included backup point guard Cole Anthony in the trade package. After securing a 20-point scorer in Bane, they remained focused on bringing another backcourt asset.

The Magic signed former Duke star Tyus Jones to a one-year, $7 million contract. With that acquisition, Orlando acquired a capable floor general who can solve their turnover issue. The franchise didn't have a serious turnover issue, as they finished the campaign being the 16th team with 14.2. But having Jones could help them improve the number.

With the moves the Magic made this offseason, let's take a peek at their roster and projected starting lineup.

Orlando Magic Updated Roster and Projected Starting 5 After Making Major Moves

C - Wendell Carter Jr., Goga Bitadze, Moritz Wagner

PF - Paolo Banchero, Jonathan Isaac

SF - Franz Wagner, Tristan da Silva, Caleb Houstan, Noah Penda

SG - Desmond Bane, Jett Howard, Jase Richardson, Trevelin Queen, Mac McClung

PG - Jalen Suggs, Tyus Jones, Cory Joseph, Anthony Black

The Magic’s projected rotation:

Starters: Jalen Suggs, Desmond Bane, Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Wendell Carter Jr.

Second Unit: Tyus Jones, Jase Richardson, Anthony Black, Tristan Da Silva, Jonathan Isaac, Goga Bitadze

Orlando is looking the part of a strong East contender. pic.twitter.com/EYIiFbs7pz
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) July 1, 2025

The moves that the Magic made have given them a strong chance of being title contenders. According to ESPN's Tim Legler, Orlando's additions, especially the acquisition of Jones, was the missing piece to the young team's success.

"I looked at their team last year and the one thing they lacked, even when [Jalen] Suggs was healthy, they did not have a single natural point guard on the team," Legler said. "Just somebody to organize, take care of the ball, get guys good shots, and also shoot the ball from the three at a pretty high rate."

Legler also pointed out the Magic could be a sleeper pick to win the Larry O'Brien trophy. The former NBA player said the Florida team now has reliable outside shooting with Bane and Jones.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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