The Orlando Magic is probably not the preferred group amongst different NBA normal managers in the mean time.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that the Magic’s five-year, $224 million extension with Franz Wagner final summer time made different group’s imagine Orlando had “inflated” the marketplace for “younger extension-eligible gamers.”

In July, eyebrows raised throughout the league when the Magic signed Franz Wagner to a five-year, $224 million full max contract. Regardless of serving to lead the Magic to their first playoff berth in 4 years, Wagner shot simply 28% from 3-point vary final season and his 11-of-42 taking pictures over the previous three video games of the Magic’s playoff sequence was contemporary within the league’s thoughts. Some GMs who had been negotiating rookie contract extensions with their very own gamers on the time complained to ESPN that the Magic had inflated the market whilst the brand new wage guidelines utilized stress to cease handing out as many max offers. One prime agent instructed ESPN he’d even ready his younger extension-eligible gamers for a “recession” over the summer time due to groups’ worry of the brand new guidelines. Wagner’s contract flew within the face of all of that.

Whereas others across the leagues had some considerations, Windhorst reported that the Magic had no hesitation to increase Wagner and that future wage cap progress will make this a powerful worth deal.

As for the Magic themselves, sources stated, they did not hesitate with the supply as a result of they love Wagner’s work ethic and character, plus his bodily instruments. And so they pointed to his free throw taking pictures, 85% for his profession, as a sign his soar shot would spherical into kind. There was one different issue. The wage cap is projected to leap 30% over the subsequent three seasons as new tv cash phases in, and the Magic imagine Wagner’s wage quantity could have a distinct look as soon as that occurs.

Wagner averaged 19.7 factors, 5.3 rebounds and three.7 assists in 72 video games whereas main the group to the postseason for the primary time since 2019-20. Orlando considered maintaining the core of Wagner and Paolo Banchero in tact as an vital one and to this point that’s paying off this season.

Wagner is averaging 23.2 factors, 5.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists by means of 17 video games to this point in 2024-25 and has helped the Magic get off to a 10-7 begin to the season. Orlando is presently in fourth place within the Japanese Convention and seem like headed in direction of one other playoff berth.

Orlando presently has $20.4 million in tax house so Wagner’s contract is not placing the funds in a significant bind. This, mixed with a probable growing cap, signifies that a competition window seems to be open for the Magic.