The Orlando Magic usually are not achieved making strikes this offseason. After including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the crew has now locked up one in every of their shiny stars for the long run. The Magic have reportedly signed Franz Wagner to a five-year, $224 million rookie extension. It may very well be value as much as $270 million if he makes an All-NBA Staff within the 2025 marketing campaign. Given Wagner’s potential and the trajectory the Magic are on, one might argue the crew was smart to signal one in every of their greatest abilities to an extension now.
Orlando Magic Signal Franz Wagner to 5-Yr Rookie Extension
Franz Wagner’s Potential
Franz Wagner is among the higher up-and-coming younger gamers within the league. He has been overshadowed the final couple of years by Orlando’s greatest participant, Paolo Banchero, who has a shiny future himself. Nevertheless, he’s actually the Magic’s second choice and for good cause. Final yr, Wagner averaged career-highs throughout a couple of statistical classes. He tallied 19.7 factors, 1.1 steals, 5.3 whole rebounds, and three.7 assists per sport whereas taking pictures 48.2 p.c from the sphere.
To not point out, he additionally authored an offensive score of 116 to associate with a career-best defensive score of 112. Wagner additionally had an help proportion of 18.8 p.c, a participant effectivity score of 17.6, and a utilization charge of 25.7 p.c. The ceiling is actually excessive for Franz Wagner. Particularly if he can finally develop a dependable shot from three-point vary and proceed to evolve defensively. Contemplating all of this, he suits proper into the Orlando Magic’s long-term plans.
Orlando’s Brilliant Future
The Magic had been the shock of final yr ending with the fifth seed within the Jap Convention. Their scrappy defensive play and younger expertise took them additional than many friends anticipated final season. Younger expertise resembling Paolo Banchero, Jalen Suggs, and naturally, Franz Wagner, is creating at a powerful charge. To not point out, the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will alleviate a few of their taking pictures woes. Plus, it would give them a voice within the locker room with championship expertise.
Some friends additionally anticipate Banchero to finally be a top-five participant within the NBA. If this sentiment comes true, then the way forward for the Orlando Magic is extra promising than ever. So long as Franz Wagner continues to develop at an environment friendly charge, then the contract extension will finally be appeared upon as one of many smarter selections the group has made. Particularly with what number of profitable contracts have been given this offseason and might be given sooner or later.
