Magic Waive Bol Bol Ahead Of Contract Deadline

The Orlando Magic have waived Bol Bol ahead of his contract deadline. July 4 was the deadline to guarantee Bol’s $2.2 million contract for next NBA season.

Bol is now eligible to be claimed by a team that either has the cap room or a trade exception to absorb his salary. The waiver claim order is based on last season’s standings, meaning the Detroit Pistons have first dibs. Detroit attempted to trade for Bol in January 2022 before the deal was voided because of an issue with his physical.

Bol appeared in 70 games for the Magic last season. He averaged 9.1 points, 5.8 rebounds and 1.0 assists while shooting 54.6% from the field, 26.5% from beyond the arc and 75.9% from the free-throw line.

A 7-foot-2 forward, Bol has an intriguing combination of skills that include ballhandling and shooting to go along with his ability to rack up blocks. He is the son of former NBA player Manute Bol.

Bol has career averages of 6.3 points and 3.8 rebounds with the Denver Nuggets and Magic in 123 NBA games. If no team claims him, he’ll become an unrestricted free agent and free to sign with any team of his choice.

It will be interesting to see where he is playing next season. The 23-year-old is one of the most popular players on social media, but he has yet to find a home in the NBA.

Orlando won 34 games last season. The team is led by Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Wendell Carter Jr. and Markelle Fultz. The Magic drafted Anthony Black with the sixth overall pick in the 2023 draft.

The Magic promoted Anthony Parker to general manager on July 5. Parker is replacing longtime league executive John Hammond, who decided to transition into a senior advisory role. Parker, an assistant general manager, moves into the general manager role under president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman.