The Orlando Magic‘s decision to waive Jonathan Isaac brings an end to a potential “what if” story. When healthy, Isaac remains one of basketball’s most versatile defenders with his 6’10” frame and 7’1″ wingspan.
While injuries have prevented him from becoming the star many envisioned, he played 328 games in 9 seasons while also averaging only 13.8 MPG over the past four seasons; his defensive impact has never been in question.
At 28 years old, Isaac is no longer expected to be a franchise cornerstone. He posted 2.6 PPG, 2.5 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.4 SPG, and 0.6 BPG on 42.2% FG and 18.4% 3-PT FG while averaging 10.0 MPG.
Clearly, Isaac is now a role player who can provide solid defense in limited minutes. For the right team, however, he can still affect playoff possessions without needing plays called for him. Isaac can likely return to his career averages of 6.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG, and 0.6 BPG on 18.8 MPG.
These six franchises offer Isaac the best opportunity to revive his career on a veteran’s minimum contract.
6. Houston Rockets
Jonathan Isaac feels tailor-made for head coach Ime Udoka’s defensive system. Udoka has built the Houston Rockets into one of the league’s toughest defensive teams around lengthy forwards.
The Rockets ranked 4th in defense (110.0 OPPG) and 6th in defensive rating (113.2), so Isaac would fit right in.
Isaac checks every one of those boxes. Even if he only plays 15 minutes per night, he gives Houston another elite defender capable of guarding everyone from point guards to centers.
The Rockets already possess outstanding perimeter defenders in Amen Thompson, Tari Eason (if retained), and Jabari Smith Jr., but adding Isaac would make their defensive depth overwhelming.
Offensively, Houston wouldn’t ask Isaac to create shots. With Kevin Durant, Alperen Sengun, Fred VanVleet, Amen Thompson, and Reed Sheppard handling the scoring responsibilities, Isaac’s role would simply be to defend, rebound, run the floor, and knock down the occasional corner three.
5. Los Angeles Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers need length and defense around Luka Doncic and the returning Austin Reaves, who signed a new 4-year contract. Jonathan Isaac would provide exactly that at virtually no financial risk.
While his offensive game has declined, playing alongside elite offensive creators would minimize his weaknesses while maximizing his defensive strengths. Isaac could become the Lakers’ stopper against elite scorers in the West, including Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, Jalen Williams, and Devin Booker.
His length allows him to contest shots without fouling, while his help-side instincts would strengthen a defense that has lacked consistent rim protection outside of its starting frontcourt. Remember, the Lakers ranked 11th in defense (114.6 OPPG) and 19th in defensive rating (116.4).
Because the Lakers wouldn’t need Isaac to score, he could thrive in a specialized role. Playing 15 to 20 minutes per game against bigger lineups while protecting leads late in games is exactly where he can still provide value.
4. Sacramento Kings
The Sacramento Kings continue searching for ways to improve one of the league’s most inconsistent defenses. Whether Domantas Sabonis remains on the roster or is eventually moved as part of a larger roster shakeup, Sacramento desperately needs another elite defensive presence in its frontcourt.
Jonathan Isaac would immediately become one of their best defenders. His presence would ease the development of young big men Maxime Raynaud and Dylan Cardwell.
Instead of asking inexperienced players to immediately anchor an NBA defense, Sacramento could rely on Isaac’s experience to stabilize second-unit lineups while mentoring the team’s younger frontcourt players.
The Kings need help on both ends of the court, but their defense (27th with 121.0 OPPG and 28th defensive rating) is a major area of concern. Isaac needs a chance to revive himself, and the Kings give him that chance.
3. Phoenix Suns
The Phoenix Suns represent the best landing spot for Jonathan Isaac because they offer both opportunity and an ideal basketball fit. Even after signing Mark Williams to a three-year, $38 million contract, Phoenix still needs experienced defensive depth behind an extremely young frontcourt featuring Khaman Maluach and Oso Ighodaro.
New head coach Jordan Ott will likely emphasize switching more than ever before. Isaac has spent his career thriving in exactly that type of defensive system.
Just as importantly, Phoenix wouldn’t ask Isaac to become an offensive contributor. His role would be simple: defend elite scorers, protect the rim, rebound, and provide energy whenever called upon. The Suns can rely on Devin Booker to get buckets, but need Isaac to continue holding down their 10th-ranked defense (113.9 defensive rating).
2. Cleveland Cavaliers
The Cleveland Cavaliers need to match up with the Eastern Conference’s elite wings, and Jonathan Isaac fits that mold almost perfectly. Despite limited offensive production, Isaac remained one of the NBA’s better defensive metrics performers during the 2025-26 season.
His defensive rating of 110.8 reinforces the idea that his impact extends far beyond traditional statistics. Cleveland’s bench has lacked a true defensive specialist capable of changing games through effort and versatility alone.
Playing alongside Evan Mobley and Jarrett Allen would create one of basketball’s most intimidating defensive frontcourts whenever Isaac enters games. Opposing offenses would struggle to find favorable matchups against three elite shot disruptors sharing the floor.
Because Cleveland’s offense already revolves around Donovan Mitchell, James Harden, and Mobley, Isaac could focus entirely on defending the opposition’s best forward every night.
1. New York Knicks
Fresh off their championship run, the New York Knicks face enormous luxury tax pressure entering next season. That means that Jonathan Isaac could become one of the best defensive value signings available.
Mitchell Robinson’s future remains uncertain, while Ariel Hukporti’s restricted free agency complicates New York’s frontcourt depth. Isaac offers Mike Brown another long, physical defender capable of guarding multiple positions. Perhaps no coach would maximize Isaac’s defensive strengths more than Brown.
Isaac’s offensive limitations would hardly matter on a team featuring Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby. His job would simply be to defend every possession like his life depended on it.
