Rolling Island With Drop Leaf

Free agent center Goga Bitadze is returning to the Orlando Magic on a three-year, $25 million contract, sources told ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski.

Bitadze, who turns 25 on July 20, was the 18th overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft. He spent his first four seasons with the Pacers before the Magic acquired him in 2023.

Bitadze had a breakout year in his first full season in Orlando, starting 33 games after center Wendell Carter Jr. missed time early in the season. Bitadze seized the opportunity, averaging 7.5 points and 1.7 blocks as a starter while shooting nearly 59% from the field.

An excellent rim protector, Bitadze has averaged 2.7 blocks per 36 minutes in his career.