With most of the major decisions made for the Magic and the NBA‘s most marquee free agents, how the East will look next season is starting to take place.
Some teams focused on re-signing their own free agents while others went all in on the free-agent market to bolster their roster. Orlando fell somewhere in the middle and still has a standard contract spot left to fill.
But as free agency starts to slow down following the holiday and some signings set to be announced after 12:01 p.m. ET Saturday, here’s where the Magic and the rest of the East stand (in order of last season’s finish):
Boston Celtics (64-18): About the same
Until further notice, they’re the champs. Jayson Tatum and Derrick White each received well-earned extensions and the Celtics re-signed Neemias Queta and Xavier Tillman. Even Luke Kornet is back on a 1-year deal.
New York Knicks (50-32): About the same
Replacing big man Isaiah Hartenstein will be tough in a bare center market, but after trading for Mikal Bridges and somehow re-signing OG Anunoby, the Knicks should still be considered in the upper echelon of the East.
Milwaukee Bucks (49-33): Moving up
Operating as a second-apron team, the Bucks were very limited in what they could do which initially led to a quiet opening to free agency. But they’ve since added solid role players in Taurean Prince and Delon Wright. Another year together for Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo should help Doc Rivers, who gets a full offseason as coach.
Cleveland Cavs (48-34): Moving down
They fired J.B. Bickerstaff and hired Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson. Cleveland was able to extend Donovan Mitchell, which is a big win. But without any major additions to the roster, the Cavs could slip given how competitive the East will be.
Orlando Magic (47-35): Moving up
Jamahl Mosley’s squad will look a lot like it did a year ago but with one major add. Orlando is bringing back key reserves Moe Wagner, Gary Harris and Goga Bitadze. It landed a legit 3-and-D threat in two-time champ Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and still has a roster spot open with Joe Ingles headed back to the West. Extending Jonathan Isaac now was a no-brainer for the Magic, too.
Indiana Pacers (47-35): About the same
The Pacers will have a chance to prove whether their run to the East Finals was real or a fluke by re-signing Pascal Siakam and Obi Toppin. Indiana lost center Jalen Smith but added James Wiseman. Sometimes the biggest splash can be your own.
Philadelphia 76ers (47-35): Moving up
The 76ers made it clear they want to win now with the addition of Paul George. Securing the future of Tyrese Maxey also was a win. And the signings of Andre Drummond and Eric Gordon to fill out the bench shouldn’t be overlooked. Although still reliant on the health of Joel Embiid, Philly remains a threat to win the East.
Miami Heat (46-36): Moving down
Unless there’s a trade on the way, the Heat are cooling off. Limited in what could be done, Miami re-signed Thomas Bryant and Kevin Love while adding Alec Burks. They’re likely losing Caleb Martin due to cap restrictions and Haywood Highsmith could be on his way out, too. It’s not nearly enough to move the needle in South Florida with Jimmy Butler only aging.
Chicago Bulls (39-43): About the same
The Bulls sent Alex Caruso to a legit contender (Thunder) and in turn received Josh Giddey, who should have more opportunity to score. Could DeMar DeRozan be on the move next? They re-signed Patrick Williams and added Jalen Smith, but lost Andre Drummond. Seemingly stuck, the Bulls are in Play-In purgatory.
Atlanta Hawks (36-46): About the same
Which for the Hawks, isn’t good. Atlanta finally traded Dejounte Murray and got back Larry Nance Jr. with future picks and Dyson Daniels. It used the No. 1 pick to take Zaccharie Risacher, but they will have to rely on Trae Young even more with Murray gone. A bit directionless.
Brooklyn Nets (32-50): Moving down
The Nets hit the full reset button when they sent Mikal Bridges across town to the Knicks. But at least they got back their own picks when reacquiring picks swaps from the Rockets after a failed James Harden experiment. Brooklyn owns 13 first-round picks in the next six years, including three in the much-anticipated 2025 draft.
Toronto Raptors (25-57): Moving up
Unlike the Hawks and Bulls, the young Raptors at least have a clear plan for the future. Toronto extended first-time All-Star Scottie Barnes, re-signed Immanuel Quickly and brought back vet Garrett Temple.
Charlotte Hornets (21-61): About the same
Similar to Toronto, there’s a vision in Charlotte. The Hornets added a young player in Josh Green and a vet in Reggie Jackson, both of whom came via trades. New coach Charles Lee will build and develop around Brandon Miller and LaMelo Ball.
Washington Wizards (15-67): About the same
Still deep in rebuild mode. The Wizards selected Alex Sarr at No. 2 and traded away Deni Avdija for future assets, Malcolm Brogdon and the No. 14 pick that turned into Carlton Carrington. Long-term development is key for Washington, which also signed big man Jonas Valanciunas.
Detroit Pistons (14-68): About the same
Which is at the bottom of the East. Extending Cade Cunningham was important but plenty of questions remain. Although there is some effort being made — the franchise signed Tobias Harris and traded for Tim Hardaway Jr. and Wendell Moore Jr. — new coach J.B. Bickerstaff has a lot of work to do.
Jason Beede can be reached at jbeede@orlandosentinel.com
