The Orlando Magic are playing very good basketball as of late, as they are climbing in the Eastern Conference standings amid an impressive 7-3 stretch. They have managed to hold down the fort even amid Paolo Banchero's injury ; they are coming off a 144-103 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, after all, and they are looking likely to keep on rising in the East.

But the Magic are realizing firsthand that keeping a talented roster together exacts a heavy price — literally. Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs are all locked into long-term contracts, while Banchero's max contract extension will kick in to start next season. There is going to be a cap crunch in Orlando really soon, and they may have to free up some space to maintain a functional roster with solid depth.

To that e

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