Orlando Magic forward Jonathan Isaac, who gained widespread attention for standing during the national anthem while his teammates knelt in 2020, has reportedly agreed to a new contract extension with the team. According to ESPN, Isaac and the Magic have agreed to a five-year, $84 million deal that will keep him in Orlando through the 2028-29 season.
Isaac, a 26-year-old native of New York, played in 58 games during the 2023-24 season, marking the most games he has participated in since the 2018-19 season. During this period, he averaged 6.8 points and 4.5 rebounds per game and even earned votes for the NBA 6th Man of the Year Award.
Isaac first caught the attention of the sports world when the NBA resumed play in a bubble environment following the coronavirus pandemic. Amid a summer marked by racial unrest, many players chose to kneel during the national anthem to raise awareness about social injustice in the U.S., particularly in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. Isaac, however, decided to stand for “The Star-Spangled Banner.”
“For me, that was kind of the highlight of my early career in the NBA, was 2020. It was after the tragic death of George Floyd, and we were ushered into the NBA ‘bubble,’ where there was just so much pressure,” Isaac told OutKick contributor Riley Gaines on her “Gaines for Girls” podcast in October. “Not even just in the bubble, but just around the world with the rise of the Black Lives Matter organization and movement.”
Isaac explained that his decision to stand was about offering another solution. “I saw the issue. I saw the problem. I saw what happened to George Floyd. And as I listened to the tone and the rhetoric of the Black Lives Matter organization and movement, I never truly felt comfortable,” he added.
Unfortunately, Isaac’s time in the bubble was cut short when he tore his ACL, causing him to miss the remainder of the games. He spent the next two seasons recovering from the injury and was only able to play in 11 games during the 2022-23 season before finally becoming healthy last year.
Isaac’s journey has been one of resilience and determination. Despite the setbacks, he has managed to secure a significant contract extension, demonstrating the Magic’s faith in his abilities and potential. His decision to stand during the national anthem in 2020 remains a defining moment in his career, reflecting his personal beliefs and willingness to stand alone in the face of widespread pressure.
Isaac’s new deal with the Magic is a testament to his hard work and perseverance. As he continues to recover and improve, fans and analysts alike will be watching to see how he contributes to the team’s success in the coming years. His story is a reminder of the complexities and challenges that athletes often face, both on and off the court.
Source: Fox News
