Orlando Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman made it clear this week that the franchise has bigger aspirations than just conference success. Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Weltman stated, “We’re not trying to win the East, we want to win the NBA,” emphasizing a long-term approach.
Weltman’s remarks come after the Magic’s 2024–25 season ended with another first-round playoff exit, this time to the Boston Celtics in five games. Orlando clinched a playoff berth through the play-in tournament and won the Southeast Division for a second straight year, but failed to advance past the opening round.
Despite injuries to key rivals such as Jayson Tatum and Tyrese Haliburton creating opportunities in the Eastern Conference, Weltman stressed the importance of “running our own race.” He noted that injuries “will always be part of the conversation,” and the team must focus on sustainable growth rather than short-term openings.
The Magic have been busy this offseason retooling their roster. Orlando acquired Desmond Bane in a significant trade with Memphis, sending out Cole Anthony, Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, and multiple future draft picks.
They also brought in veteran guard Tyus Jones from the Phoenix Suns and re-signed Moritz Wagner, strengthening both their backcourt depth and locker room stability. Additionally, the team added Noah Penda in the NBA Draft through a deal with Boston.
Under head coach Jamahl Mosley, Orlando has improved its defensive identity but has struggled offensively, which Weltman acknowledged as an area of focus. He expressed confidence that recent acquisitions would help the team improve offensively “without compromising” its defensive strengths.
The Magic’s strategy aims to position them as legitimate title contenders in the coming years. Weltman highlighted that their collective goal is to “figure out a way to get to the top of the heap” and remain competitive even when the Eastern Conference regains full strength.
With Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner leading the young core alongside new additions, Orlando enters the 2025–26 season with both optimism and a clear message: their ambitions reach far beyond winning the East.
