Dallas Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley has agreed to a four-year contract to become the new head coach of the Orlando Magic, sources told ESPN.
The Magic are replacing Steve Clifford, who mutually parted ways with the team last month. Orlando had made the playoffs in consecutive years before they traded Nikola Vucevic (Chicago) and Evan fournier (Boston) this season, and they went into rebuild mode.
The Magic search process had been narrowed down to two candidates; Mosley, and Denver assistant Wes Unseld Jr., who also emerged as one of the leading candidates for the Washington Wizards vacancy.
Mosley’s role with the Mavericks for the past seven years has notably included his close connection and impactful work with the NBA point guard, Luka doncic. After Mosley replaced Rick Carlisle in quarantine for a Mavericks win over the Knicks at Madison Square Garden in April, Doncic told Mosley reporters: “He has the stuff for a head coach.”
The 42-year-old Mosley spent the past seven years with the Mavericks under Carlisle. He also served on the staff of the Cleveland Cavaliers (2010-2014) and Denver Nuggets (2005-2010). Mosley’s offensive philosophy has been shaped by two Hall of Fame-level coaches: Carlisle and George Karl.
Beyond their two lottery picks in a deep 2021 draft, the Magic have a young core of players that includes recent first-round picks. Cole Anthony, Chuma okeke, Mo bamba Y Wendell Carter Jr.
The Magic could have a $ 30 million salary cap with room to spend in free agency.
The Magic also hope to win back two starters from season-ending injuries: the shooting guard. Markelle Fultz and the eaves Jonathan Isaac.