In a related move, the Orlando Magic made it official they would not bring back the 22-year-old forward Caleb Houstan, declining his $2.1 million contract option. Their team is taking smart and strategic steps following the NBA season. They want to change up what their roster looks like to be more competitive at the top level.
The Magic acquired Caleb Houstan with their second-round pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He became the club’s head coach toward the end of the 2020-21 season. Few anticipated his arrival, even fewer expected him to be the piece that would really round out the roster. During his short time with the Magic, Houstan proved he had tremendous upside. Offensively, though, he could never carve out a regular path into the lineup.
Orlando’s response is to decline Houstan’s option. This decision is all part of their big picture strategy to maximize their salary cap and pursue new player options. By removing this monetary obligation, the Magic will have more flexibility to pursue other options in a crucial offseason ahead. If so, they may look to move the players that don’t fit better into their long-term vision.
Houstan’s story with the team was quite the rollercoaster ride. His highs and lows largely shaped the stage that the Magic ultimately landed on with their current roster. When he was on the field, he displayed flashes of true brilliance. The organization decided not to exercise his option, foreshadowing a different kind of focus as they look to the future.
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