The Orlando Magic have opted not to exercise Jett Howard’s fourth-year rookie scale option, league sources confirmed to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel. Howard, 22, will become an unrestricted free agent for the 2026-27 season.
Howard is in the third year of his four-year, $23.2 million rookie contract, having averaged 3.7 points and 1.0 rebound over 80 career games. His development has been limited, and the Magic’s decision reflects the team’s evaluation of his role moving forward.
Through the first five games of the 2025–26 season, Howard has averaged 1.0 point and 0.3 rebounds in 5.3 minutes per game, seeing minimal on-court action compared to other rotation players.
Orlando’s core, including Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Desmond Bane, has carried the bulk of scoring and playmaking responsibilities.
Banchero is leading the Magic with 23.0 points and 9.0 rebounds per game, while Wagner contributes 22.4 points and 5.6 boards. Bane has added 17.6 points per contest, providing scoring depth behind the team’s emerging stars. Howard has struggled to earn consistent minutes amidst this crowded rotation.
The team had until October 31 to decide on Howard’s option, valued at $7.3 million for 2026-27. By declining it, Orlando gives Howard the freedom to pursue opportunities elsewhere in free agency while maintaining salary cap flexibility.
