The Orlando Magic rebuild discussion is gaining momentum as the franchise faces another season of high expectations, financial pressure and questions about its expensive core.

Sam Amick of The Athletic reported Friday, November 13, that rival executives believe significant roster decisions could follow if Orlando fails to meet expectations again. The Magic have lost in the first round of the playoffs in each of the past three seasons.

The possibility of breaking up the core is increasingly relevant because of the team’s financial commitments. Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane and Jalen Suggs are all earning more than $30 million annually on long-term contracts.

Orlando is approximately $2.5 million below the second apron this season, according to the financial figures cited in the report. The team also faces an estimated $32.2 million luxury tax bill while operating above the salary cap and first apron.

The financial outlook remains restrictive beyond this season. Orlando’s projected 2027-28 cap allocations put the team approximately $13.2 million above the second apron, despite a projected reduction in active salary.

That leaves president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman facing difficult decisions if the Magic cannot turn their investment into postseason progress. Amick reported that the possibility of Orlando breaking up its core, excluding Anthony Black, is clearly in play if the team falls short again.

Black’s situation has attracted separate attention. The 22-year-old guard did not reach an extension agreement with Orlando during the summer and is scheduled to become a restricted free agent next offseason.

However, Amick reported that team and league sources familiar with the Magic’s thinking pushed back against the idea that Black would become the odd man out. Orlando made its strong interest in retaining him clear during the summer negotiations.

Black’s growing role has added another layer to the situation. After Jalen Suggs suffered a right knee bone bruise on October 25, Black stepped into the starting lineup and has averaged career highs of 17.8 points, 6.0 rebounds and 5.5 assists in 31.5 minutes across eight appearances.

His projected salary for 2027-28 is approximately $30.3 million, compared with his current $10.1 million salary. That would add another significant commitment to an already expensive roster.

The Magic have started 4-7, although consecutive road victories over Sacramento and Utah on November 10 and 11 offered some encouragement. Their net rating of minus-5.0 ranks 21st in the NBA.

Wagner is averaging 23.5 points, 6.5 rebounds and 7.9 assists through 11 games, while Bane is contributing 18.0 points per contest. Banchero has played only twice, averaging 24.5 points and 6.5 rebounds.

For now, the front office and first-year head coach Sean Sweeney remain focused on maximizing the current roster, Amick reported.

Orlando hosts Milwaukee on Friday before visiting Boston on November 16.