Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black appears headed for restricted free agency in 2027, with the two sides yet to engage in meaningful extension talks, according to Marc Stein and Jake Fischer of The Stein Line.
Barring a late change before the rookie-extension deadline, Orlando is expected to allow Black to play out the final season of his rookie contract rather than commit to another sizable long-term deal.
"Sources say that the sides have not engaged in any meaningful extension dialogue to date – not during the offseason or even since training camps began – because the Magic have concerns about the long-term financial obligations they have already stacked up by signing Jalen Suggs to a lucrative extension in addition to frontcourt stalwarts Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner and summer of 2025 marquee trade acquisition Desmond Bane," The Stein Line reported.
Black, the No. 6 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, enjoyed the best season of his career in 2025-26. The 22-year-old averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 29.8 minutes over 64 games, including 40 starts.
Magic's expensive core complicates Anthony Black extension
Paolo Banchero signed a five-year extension worth $239 million in 2025, with the deal capable of reaching approximately $287 million depending on incentives and supermax eligibility.
Meanwhile, Franz Wagner previously agreed to a five-year extension worth up to $224 million, and Jalen Suggs secured a long-term extension of his own.
Orlando further committed to its core by acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies in 2025.
Those significant financial commitments have created a potential squeeze in the backcourt, where both Suggs and Black figure prominently in the organization's plans.
According to The Stein Line, president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman has largely chosen to bring the same core back for another season while recognizing that keeping both guards long term could be financially difficult.