If the Orlando Magic end up waiving Jonathan Isaac, which is now being reported as a likely possibility, the Miami Heat could be gifted an intriguing next reclamation project from their bitter rival.
The Heat have made a habit of rebuilding the reputations and careers of struggling, but talented, veterans. While Isaac has surely fallen on tough times recently, he'd very much fit into that build of reclamation projects that has panned out so well for Miami.
Because of his natural talent and unquestioned size, Isaac could emerge as a worthwhile investment for a Heat team that could use a wildcard in the frontcourt. Especially if they end up gutting their roster for a star player this summer, taking a low-risk, potentially high-reward player like Isaac would be worth the gamble.
Jonathan Isaac could be a worthy gamble for the Heat
Isaac's career has been decimated by injuries, but over the last couple of years, he's clearly fallen out of favor in Orlando. And even though he has two years remaining on his current contract with the Magic, it's gotten so bad for him that there's a growing belief that Orlando would rather eat those final two years by waiving him than keeping him on board.
And, sure, there are multiple reasons why the Magic may go down this path, but either way, it will open the door for the Heat.
With how successful the Heat's reclamation system has been in recent years, if there's any franchise that's going to be able to revive Isaac's career, it's going to be theirs. And if Isaac can reemerge as a contributing piece, there's no question that the Heat will be able to benefit from his flexibility on both ends of the floor.
At his peak, Isaac was considered one of the most versatile young two-way players. No, he never lived up to his potential after being drafted sixth overall in the 2017 NBA Draft, but he's still just 28 years old.
During his best season with the Magic, Isaac averaged 12 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks per game on 47 percent shooting from the field. If he can be just 80 percent of that player again, that alone would be worth the Heat's low-cost swing.
At 6-foot-10, Isaac would help beef up the Heat's thin frontcourt. Again, this is the type of move that would make a ton of sense if the Heat gutted their frontcourt with a star trade. But, at the same time, it would also make some sense if they're looking for some added depth next to Bam Adebayo and Kel'el Ware.
The Heat's next great reclamation project might be about to hit the open market, and it could certainly come from an unexpected source.
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