Malaki Branham is off the Orlando Magic roster as of Sunday, Oct. 18. The move follows a report two days earlier that the Magic were waiving him along with JD Davison and Kevin Knox.
The move
Branham leaves the Orlando Magic roster, confirmed by the official roster on Sunday, Oct. 18. The move was preceded by a Friday, Oct. 16 report from Hoopsrumors that the Magic were waiving Branham along with JD Davison and Kevin Knox, carrying 44% confidence. Branham is a 23-year-old forward in his fourth NBA season.
The money
Branham carried a $2.5M cap hit for 2026-27. The Magic's payroll sits at $223.3M across 16 contracts for 2026-27, over the second apron. The league cap is $165.0M, the tax line $200.4M, the first apron $209.0M and the second apron $221.7M. No further years are on file for his contract.
The fit
Branham played 28 games last season, averaging 9.8 minutes, 4.6 points, 1.6 rebounds and 0.8 assists. The Magic's rotation at forward last season was led by Paolo Banchero at 34.7 minutes and 22.2 points, Franz Wagner at 30.0 minutes and 20.6 points, and Tristan da Silva at 24.7 minutes and 9.9 points. Orlando now lists 17 players on its roster, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.
Is Malaki Branham still on the Orlando Magic roster?
No. He is off the roster as of Sunday, Oct. 18.
Was Branham's departure reported before it was official?
Yes. Hoopsrumors reported on Friday, Oct. 16 that the Magic were waiving Branham, JD Davison and Kevin Knox, at 44% confidence.
What was Branham's salary for 2026-27?
He carried a $2.5M cap hit for 2026-27.
How many players are on the Magic roster now?
The Magic list 17 players on the roster, against a standard limit of 15 plus three two-way spots.