Pelicans Reportedly Eye Magic’s Jamahl Mosley Amid Orlando’s Inconsistent Start

The Orlando Magic entered the 2025–26 season with heightened expectations after a headline-grabbing offseason and consecutive top-three defensive finishes. But a shaky, stop-and-start first month has fueled questions surrounding the team’s direction and, increasingly, the job security of head coach Jamahl Mosley. At 7–7, the Magic have yet to find the type of rhythm that defined their rise over the last two seasons.

As the Magic battle inconsistency and injuries, a new report has pulled the franchise further into the spotlight. According to NBA insider Jake Fischer, Mosley has emerged as a name of interest for the New Orleans Pelicans, who fired Willie Green following a 2–10 start. While Mosley remains firmly under contract in Orlando, the linkage suggests rival teams are monitoring the Magic’s turbulence closely.

Behind the scenes, Orlando’s uneven play has come alongside whispers about internal dynamics — including reported tension between Mosley and franchise cornerstone Paolo Banchero. The combination of rising expectations, a retooled coaching staff, and early defensive slippage has only intensified outside speculation.

As the Magic prepare for a key homestand, Mosley’s situation has become one of the league’s most closely watched early-season storylines — particularly with New Orleans evaluating long-term coaching options.

1. Pelicans’ Interest Reflects Leaguewide Attention

Fischer’s report indicated that Mosley’s name surfaced during New Orleans’ early search process, even though he is not currently attainable under league rules. The Pelicans, now led by interim coach James Borrego, are expected to cast a wide net as they evaluate their next long-term hire. Green’s dismissal after a 2–10 start opened the door for organizational reset in New Orleans, where expectations remain high despite a reshuffled roster. Alongside Mosley, other names cited in ongoing reporting include Milwaukee Bucks assistant Darvin Ham and former Nets interim coach Kevin Ollie. Around the league, Orlando has been a frequent topic of discussion in scouting circles. Much of that interest stems from the Magic’s talent-rich young core and their significant offseason investment in Desmond Bane — a move that raised external expectations for a team once viewed primarily as a developmental project. Even in a crowded coaching market, Mosley’s profile has grown. His reputation as a player-development specialist and his role in Orlando’s recent rise have made him a natural target for teams eyeing long-term stability and culture-building.

2. Magic’s Inconsistent Start Raises Internal and External Questions

The Magic’s early struggles have been attributed to uneven offensive stretches and a notable regression defensively. Orlando entered Tuesday ranked 12th in defensive rating after finishing top-three in each of the previous two seasons — a slide that has prompted scrutiny from both inside and outside the organization. Complicating matters further, Orlando opened the season with a 1–4 slump before appearing to stabilize. The Magic proceeded to win five of their next seven games before falling in a narrow overtime loss to the Houston Rockets. Their best lineup — Banchero, Bane, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr. — produced a dominant +19.7 net rating before Banchero’s recent groin injury. Reports have also surfaced around communication issues between Mosley and Banchero. According to Grant Afseth, multiple team sources described the relationship as “strained,” citing limited dialogue during timeouts and concerns about alignment between the coach and his All-Star forward. One source characterized the situation bluntly, suggesting Orlando risked slipping from rising contender to underachiever if the disconnect goes unresolved. While no formal dissatisfaction has been communicated by the organization, the combination of stagnation, injuries and internal tension has created a sense of urgency around Mosley’s ability to stabilize the season.

3. Pressure Mounts as Both Teams Navigate Uncertain Arcs

The Magic made several offseason adjustments to their coaching staff, including the addition of veteran assistant Joe Prunty — moves reportedly encouraged by team president Jeff Weltman. As the team seeks greater consistency, these changes underscore an organizational expectation for continued forward momentum. Meanwhile, the Pelicans, now 2–12 following a loss to the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, continue to evaluate their future under Borrego. With a veteran-heavy roster and playoff aspirations, New Orleans is expected to explore experienced and developmental-minded candidates alike. Orlando now faces a pivotal stretch as it returns home for a three-game homestand, beginning Tuesday against the Golden State Warriors. With injuries piling up and their defensive identity wavering, the Magic enter a defining phase of their season — one that may shape the trajectory of Mosley’s tenure. New Orleans, meanwhile, concludes its homestand Wednesday against the Denver Nuggets, seeking some measure of stability amid a spiraling start. As the Pelicans survey the broader coaching landscape, Mosley’s emergence as a target highlights how Orlando’s internal dynamics continue to attract league-wide attention.