Post by : Saif
Al-Najjar
The Orlando Magic have made an important roster change ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season. On October 6, 2025, the team signed undrafted free agent guard Johnell Davis and waived small forward Justin Minaya to keep their roster at 21 players. This move shows the Magic’s focus on bringing fresh talent into the team as they prepare for the new season.
1. Details of the Signing
Johnell Davis signed a one-year, non-guaranteed Exhibit 10 contract with Orlando Magic.
The contract can be converted into a two-way deal with the Magic’s G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, before the regular season begins.
The team did not disclose the exact financial terms of the deal.
This signing gives Davis an opportunity to prove himself and potentially earn a spot in the main roster.
2. Justin Minaya Waived
To make room for Davis, the Magic waived 26-year-old Justin Minaya:
Minaya played 57 games for the Portland Trail Blazers over the past three seasons, including 19 games in 2024-25.
He averaged 1.7 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 10 minutes per game.
Last season, he spent most of the time in the G League, and was signed by the Magic as a free agent on September 2, 2025.
Waiving Minaya allows the Magic to focus on younger talent and create flexibility in their roster.
3. Johnell Davis’ College Career
Johnell Davis has had an impressive college basketball career:
2024-25 season: Played at Arkansas, appearing in 34 games with 29 starts. He averaged 12 points, 3.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 1.4 steals per game.
2020-24: Played four seasons at Florida Atlantic University (FAU), participating in 128 games with 53 starts. He averaged 11.2 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 1.2 steals per game.
Awards: American Athletic Conference Co-Player of the Year (2023-24), All-Conference USA first-team pick, and C-USA Sixth Man of the Year (2022-23).
His college record shows he has talent, versatility, and experience, making him a promising addition to the Magic.
4. What This Means for Orlando Magic
The signing of Davis and the waiver of Minaya reflect the Magic’s focus on building a young, competitive team:
Davis brings energy, scoring ability, and defensive skills.
He has the potential to grow into a key player for the Magic.
The move aligns with the team’s strategy of blending experienced players with young talent to strengthen the roster.
Fans will be watching closely to see if Davis can make an immediate impact in the NBA and secure a long-term role with the team.
Disclaimer
The Orlando Magic’s decision to sign Johnell Davis and waive Justin Minaya shows a clear focus on youth and potential. Davis’ impressive college career gives him a strong foundation to succeed, and his performance in training camps and the G League will determine his future with the team.
This roster move is part of the Magic’s effort to prepare for a competitive 2025-26 season, and basketball fans will be eager to see how Davis develops in the coming months.
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