Wiz of Awes
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Washington Wizards: 3 buy-low candidates to target this offseason

By Cem Yolbulan

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 03: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 03: Jonathan Isaac #1 of the Orlando Magic dribbles the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at Target Center on February 03, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Magic defeated the Timberwolves 127-120. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
(Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

Jonathan Isaac

Orlando Magic’s 25-year-old forward had a star-crossed career so far in the NBA. Jonathan Isaac, after bursting onto the scene in the 2019-20 season as one of the best defenders in the league, tore his ACL in the Bubble and never looked right since then.

Before the injury, Isaac was averaging 11.9 points, 6.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists, 1.6 steals, and 2.3 blocks per game for the season. He was a beast on the defensive end, being able to switch on smaller players, move his feet and also protect the rim as one of the best help defenders in his position. With a 6’10 frame and an impressively long wingspan, he is the perfect mold of a modern defensive forward.

However, Isaac only played in 11 games in the last three seasons, and only 147 games in his six seasons in the NBA. He hasn’t been able to get his body right since suffering the injury.

He is, however, still only 25 years old, and only has $17.4 million on his contract if guaranteed for next season. The season after is fully non-guaranteed, so he could be let go if it doesn’t work out in the 2023-24 season.

If healthy, he would fill an important role for the Wizards team. He provides much-needed size, athleticism, and defense to the team.

Most importantly, he should be easily acquirable from the Magic. Depending on what the Wizards’ salary cap structure looks like after Morris, Wright, and Kuzma’s situations are resolved, Washington could bring Isaac in using a trade exception created in these deals, or by sending a matching salary.

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