The Orlando Magic are bringing back veteran guard Jevon Carter after his strong finish to the 2025-26 season. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported Wednesday that Carter has agreed to a one-year, $3.5 million contract to remain in Orlando after earning a regular spot in the rotation following his midseason arrival.

Carter joined the Magic after beginning last season with the Chicago Bulls and quickly carved out a meaningful role on a team that finished 45-37 and reached the Eastern Conference playoffs. Orlando pushed the top-seeded Detroit Pistons to seven games in the first round before being eliminated.

In 30 regular-season games with the Magic, Carter averaged 7.2 points, 2.3 assists and 2.1 rebounds in 20.4 minutes per game. He shot 40.2% from the field and 33.6% from three while appearing in the starting lineup once. His role expanded significantly compared to his first stint of the season in Chicago, where he averaged 5.4 points in 11.0 minutes across 23 games before changing teams.

Overall, Carter finished the 2025-26 campaign averaging 6.4 points, 1.7 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 0.8 steals over 53 games between Chicago and Orlando. He connected on 36.3% of his three-point attempts and continued to provide the defensive intensity that has defined his NBA career.

The 30-year-old enters his ninth NBA season with experience across Memphis, Phoenix, Brooklyn, Milwaukee, Chicago and Orlando. His best statistical season came with the Bucks in 2022-23, when he averaged career highs of 8.0 points and 2.4 assists while starting 39 of 81 games and shooting 42.1% from three-point range.

Keeping Carter provides Orlando with continuity in a backcourt that already features Anthony Black and Jalen Suggs. Black enjoyed a breakout 2025-26 season, averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals in 64 games, while Suggs contributed 13.8 points, 5.5 assists and 1.8 steals despite being limited to 57 appearances.