The Orlando Magic continue to add potential pieces to bolster their roster. As the franchise itself has announced, the Florida team has signed Malaki Branham, who will be with the squad during training camp and the preseason to contend for the 15th spot on the roster once the regular season tips off.
It is the second such addition the Magic have made, having recently agreed to a similar deal with JD Davison. Thus, all signs point to them waiting to play all of their exhibition games to decide, because with 14 players already under guaranteed contracts, the remaining step is to settle on one option (or another potential signing) before October 19.
We have signed free agent guards Malaki Branham and JD Davison.
→ https://t.co/aZaTs8kogb pic.twitter.com/CnqVXq7hBk— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic) September 3, 2026
Branham spent the first three years of his career in San Antonio, but last year he had to head to Washington as part of the trade that sent Kelly Olynyk to the Spurs. In the capital, however, his role was quite secondary, as he appeared on the floor only 28 times and did not play more than 10 minutes per game, leaving his averages at a modest 4.6 points and 1.6 rebounds.
That spell was also fairly brief, because in February he was traded again, this time to Charlotte as part of the move involving Anthony Davis, although this time he didn’t even have to relocate since he was waived immediately by the Hornets. With no spot in the NBA, his season concluded with the Cleveland Charge of the G League, where he averaged 20.3 points, 4.6 assists and 4.3 rebounds.
This contract, therefore, represents a renewed opportunity for him to earn a place in the league, and although at 23 years old it would be too definitive to call this his last chance, it is certainly not a situation that would lead one to believe he will have many more. Thus, he will need to work hard in the coming weeks to persuade the Magic to see his strengths firsthand.
