NBA Rumors: Pacers, Enrique Freeman, Magic, Moritz Wagner, Wizards, Hawks

The Pacers are issuing qualifying offers to three players — including promising rookie Enrique Freeman — in a move that keeps each under team control as restricted free agents, per Forbes’ Tony East.

Freeman, a 6-foot-8 forward out of the University of Akron, just wrapped up his first NBA season after being selected 50th overall in the 2024 draft. He appeared in 22 games for the Pacers, averaging 2.1 points and 1.4 rebounds in limited minutes. His qualifying offer is for another two-way deal and includes a modest partial guarantee ($85K).

Indiana also extended a $6.4 million qualifying offer to center Isaiah Jackson, who missed nearly all of last season with a torn Achilles. Despite the major injury, the Pacers appear confident in his recovery and value his potential, especially with Myles Turner hitting free agency.

Guard Quenton Jackson rounds out the trio. He averaged 5.8 points on 47.5% shooting across 28 games in a two-way role. His qualifying offer is a minimum-salary deal worth $2.38 million, with a partial guarantee of $102K.

Magic Decline Options on Wagner, Houstan

The Magic are parting ways with two rotation regulars, at least for now.

Orlando is declining the team options for Moritz Wagner ($11M) and Caleb Houstan ($2.1M), according to ESPN’s Shams Charania. Both players will now become unrestricted free agents.

Wagner, who is recovering from an ACL tear, had been averaging a career-best 12.9 points and shooting 36% from deep before going down. Despite the move, Orlando still holds his Bird rights and may look to re-sign him at a lower cap figure. The same goes for Houstan, a 22-year-old wing who hit 40% of his threes last season.

The moves give the Magic flexibility after acquiring Desmond Bane in a blockbuster trade earlier this month.

Wizards Waive Gill, Hope for Reunion

Washington is waiving veteran forward Anthony Gill ahead of a salary guarantee deadline, but both sides are reportedly open to reuniting later in free agency.

Gill, 32, has been a respected locker room presence over five seasons with the Wizards, though he’s averaged just 3.4 points in that span. With Washington focused on developing its young core, roster spots are tight, but leadership remains a priority, and Gill could return in that role if space allows.

Hawks Decline Option on Barlow

The Hawks have declined their $2.2 million team option on forward Dominick Barlow, per Charania. The 22-year-old becomes an unrestricted free agent after playing 35 games for Atlanta last season.

Barlow, a product of Overtime Elite, showed flashes in the G League and has two years of NBA experience with San Antonio. He averaged 4.2 points and 2.4 rebounds in 10.7 minutes per game but never secured a steady role with the Hawks.