The Orlando Magic are currently experiencing mixed reactions from NBA general managers following their decision to offer Franz Wagner a substantial five-year, $224 million contract extension last summer. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst reported that this deal has led some teams to believe the Magic have “inflated” the market for young players eligible for contract extensions.
Wagner’s contract raised eyebrows after he shot only 28% from long range in the previous season and struggled in the playoffs, where he made just 11 of 42 attempts over the final three games. This led to concerns among general managers negotiating rookie contracts about a possible reduction in maximum deals, especially with new salary cap rules looming. Despite such worries, the Magic remained steadfast in their confidence in Wagner, citing his strong work ethic, character, and physical potential. They expect his shooting, particularly based on his career free throw percentage of 85%, to improve.
Moreover, the franchise is optimistic about the future, with projections indicating a 30% increase in the salary cap over the next three years due to new television deals, making Wagner’s contract more palatable in the long run.
As a testament to their decision, Wagner has been performing remarkably this season, averaging 23.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists in 17 games. His contribution has been vital in helping the Magic secure a 10-7 record, positioning the team fourth in the Eastern Conference and setting them up for what appears to be another playoff appearance.
In summary, while the Orlando Magic’s hefty extension for Wagner might face scrutiny from external sources, the team’s internal confidence and his early-season performance suggest that they may have made a strategic investment that could pay dividends in the near future. With a solid start to the season, fans have reason to be hopeful about the Magic’s prospects as they build toward greater success.