While most of the NBA went through a whirlwind of movement barely a week into free agency, the Orlando Magic made sure to secure their franchise player for the long run.
Signing Paolo Banchero to a maximum extension feels like a no-brainer for the Magic, who are fresh off back-to-back postseason appearances. Orlando hasn’t really found consistent success since the Dwight Howard days, but these last few years have offered some promise.
Banchero has been raising his game with each passing season, increasing his production while also being more assertive on both ends of the floor. We’re seeing the former Duke Blue Devil blossom into a star and he continues to develop the patience that comes with outsmarting NBA defenses getting accustomed to his style of play.
Their efforts have proven to be futile as Banchero continued to build off an All-Star campaign in 2023-2024. Unfortunately it was a torn oblique that stopped him and sidelined him for 34 games. The Magic remained afloat even during the 22-year old’s absence and part of that has been due to the moves they made to solidify their core, a process that may be culminating this offseason.
After handing out extensions to Franz Wagner (five years, $224.2 million), Jalen Suggs (five years, $150.5 million), and Wendell Carter Jr. (three years, $58.7 million), Orlando proceeded to re-sign Moe Wagner (one year, $5 million) and bring in Tyus Jones (one year, $7 million) this offseason. The Magic have also taken part in the trade festivities by acquiring Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies, adding depth to the wings.
These signings certainly complement Banchero, who can operate from the wing and the post, giving Orlando more flexibility with their lineups. Moreover, it will help add more offensive versatility especially in the playoffs, where only Banchero, Wagner, and Carter Jr. provided significant offensive production.
Durability is also essential to postseason success and health won’t be a major concern for Banchero, who played in 152 of 164 games in his first two seasons. The torn oblique muscle seems to be a thing of the past as he returned with no restrictions, unlike some of his peers who need to take a game off just to perform at their best.
On the whole, a player like Paolo Banchero doesn’t need to take the leap as the steps he has made in the last few seasons have placed him within the doorstep of superstardom. The Orlando Magic have done right by him in securing a long-term extension while adding complementary pieces that will set them up for a big postseason run.
Now, all Banchero has to do is repay the faith the Magic have placed on him as their next great big man. Given how things have gone in recent years, though, we will more likely expect him to go all out for the city of Orlando than jump ship to the bright lights of Los Angeles.
