The Orlando Magic project to have the 4th highest payroll in in the NBA next season, deep in the tax and just shy of the 2nd apron. They have already traded away control of their 1st round draft picks in 2026, 2028, 2029, and 2030.
The Orlando Magic have also not paid the tax in the Dan DeVos era, and might be in the lottery this year. Could be a fire sale to reduce their tax bill. No one wants to pay the tax for a lottery team.
The Paolo extension kicks in this Summer, and ironically their best 10 game stretch of the season was when Paolo was injured. So unclear how much trade value he has.