Just when people thought the Orlando Magic might take it easy on the holiday, they dropped some crazy update of their own. Turns out, their offseason keeps getting better by the day.
On Friday, according to ESPN's Shams Charania, Orlando locked up Moritz Wagner to a new one-year, $5 million deal. The timing feels even sweeter, considering the Magic had declined Wagner’s team option earlier this week. Now, he stays in Orlando alongside his younger brother, Franz, and helps keep the Magic bench strong.
Before an ACL tear cut his season short in December, Wagner was on his best form. He averaged a career-best 12.9 points and shot 36% from three-point range in just 20 minutes per game. Shams even reported that Wagner led the league in scoring among players who averaged under 20 minutes. He was shaping up as a real Sixth Man of the Year contender before the injury.
Orlando Magic
Orlando Magic head coach Jamahl Mosley looks on during the second quarter against the Atlanta Hawks
© Mike Watters-Imagn Images
The Magic have made smart moves this offseason. The trade for Desmond Bane gave them a serious boost. Pairing Bane with Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero now gives Orlando a young, exciting big three.
But they’re not done yet. ESPN’s Bobby Marks says the next big step is clear: extend Paolo Banchero. Marks reports Banchero is eligible for a five-year, $239 million rookie max extension. And honestly, no one expects Orlando to hesitate.
Banchero, the 2022 No. 1 overall pick, averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists last season. Sure, his three-point shot could improve, but the 6-foot-10 forward is a nightmare for defenders everywhere else on the court.
The Magic are building something special. Friday’s move keeps that momentum rolling.