Carter Returns to Orlando
Jevon Carter Signs One-Year, $3.5 Million Deal to Return to Orlando Magic
Key Points
Carter was waived by the Chicago Bulls five days before signing with the Magic, enabling a quick midseason move that kept him in Orlando.
Carter and his wife, along with the Treadmill Mentality Foundation, will host a diaper drive in Orlando before Games 3 and 4, with the Carters matching each donated diaper up to 20,000 to support the Central Florida Diaper Bank.
Suggs publicly credited Carter for holding him accountable and influencing his approach, including a moment highlighted by the team’s dynamic and camaraderie.
There are slight discrepancies in reported season-long statistics: RealGM shows Carter averaging 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds and 2.3 assists in 30 games with Orlando, while Rotowire lists 6.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.6 assists over 53 games combined (Bulls and Magic).
Veteran guard Jevon Carter is returning to Orlando on a one-year, $3.5 million deal, according to The Athletic. The agreement keeps Carter with the Magic heading into 2026-27, where he is expected to serve as the team's third-string point guard behind Jalen Suggs and Cole Anthony.
Carter, 30, spent the second half of 2025-26 in Orlando after the Chicago Bulls waived him in February. Orlando Sentinel reported the signing follows the departure of veteran guard Tyus Jones, leaving a clear backup role open in the Magic backcourt.
From Chicago Waiver to Orlando Rotation Piece
The Chicago Bulls waived Carter on February 10, 2026, as part of a full-scale rebuild focused on younger players. Five days later, Orlando signed him to a rest-of-season deal. He appeared in 30 games for the Magic and averaged 20 minutes per night.
His Orlando numbers told a strong story. RealGM shows Carter averaged 7.2 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game in those 30 games. Combined with his time in Chicago, Rotowire lists his full-season average at 6.4 points across 53 games. The gap shows he was simply a better fit in Orlando's system.
Suggs Credits Carter for Raising His Standards
Carter's impact in Orlando went well beyond the stat sheet. Magic guard Jalen Suggs publicly said Carter changed how he approached work. "Jevon held me to a standard I didn't even know I was slipping on," Suggs said. "His accountability changed how I walked into the building every day."
That kind of locker room value is a big reason Orlando brought Carter back. Magic President of Basketball Operations Jeff Weltman has repeatedly stressed the importance of culture fits and defensive versatility — both terms that describe Carter's role with the team.
Carter's Treadmill Mentality Roots Run Deep
Carter was drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2018 out of West Virginia, where he played under coach Bob Huggins. He built his brand around a hard-working, defensive-first identity he calls "Treadmill Mentality." His NBA career has included stops with the Bucks, Suns, Bulls, and now two stints with the Magic.
At $3.5 million, the deal sits slightly above the projected veteran's minimum for 2026, per Bradenton.com. Analysts view it as a low-risk move. Carter can guard multiple positions and hit spot-up threes while keeping the defense sharp when starters rest.
Carter and Wife Launch Diaper Drive for Central Florida Families
Carter's commitment to Orlando goes beyond basketball. He and his wife, through the Treadmill Mentality Foundation, are hosting a diaper drive tied to the Magic's home playoff games. The drive runs before Games 3 and 4 at Kia Center.
The Carters will match every donated diaper up to 20,000 diapers. All donations go to the Central Florida Diaper Bank, which supports low-income families across the Orlando metro area. The initiative has already boosted Carter's standing as a community figure in Central Florida.
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