Dallas Mavericks assistant Jamahl Mosley has agreed to a four-year deal to become the Orlando Magic‘s new head coach, sources tell ESPN.
The Magic are replacing Steve Clifford, who mutually parted with the team last month. The Magic had reached the playoffs in consecutive years before trade deadline deals including All-Star Nikola Vucevic (Chicago) and Evan Fournier (Boston) moved them into a rebuilding mode.
The Magic’s search process had narrowed to two candidates, Mosley and Denver assistant Wes Unseld Jr., who has also emerged as one of the leading candidates for the Washington Wizards‘ vacancy, sources said earlier this week.
Mosley’s role with the Mavericks over the past seven years has notably included his close connection and impactful work with All-NBA guard Luka Doncic. After Mosley replaced a quarantined Rick Carlisle for a Mavericks victory in Madison Square Garden in April, Doncic told reporters of Mosley, “He’s got the things needed for a head coach.”
Mosley, 42, spent the past seven years with the Mavericks under Carlisle, elevating to the associate head coaching role. Mosley spent four years with the Cleveland Cavaliers (2010-2014) and Denver Nuggets (2005-2010). Mosley’s offensive philosophy has been shaped under two Hall of Fame-level coaches — George Karl and Carlisle.
Beyond the two lottery picks in the deep draft, the Magic have a young core of players that includes recent first-round picks Cole Anthony, Chuma Okeke, Mo Bamba and Wendell Carter Jr. The Magic potentially could have $30 million in salary-cap space to spend in free agency.
The Magic also expect to get two starters back from season-ending injuries — guard Markelle Fultz and forward Jonathan Isaac.