The Orlando Magic should not finished making strikes this offseason. After including Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the group has now locked up considered one of their shiny stars for the longer term. The Magic have reportedly signed Franz Wagner to a five-year, $224 million rookie extension. It may very well be price 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 group was smart to signal considered one of their finest skills to an extension now.
Orlando Magic Signal Franz Wagner to 5-12 months Rookie Extension
Franz Wagner’s Potential
Franz Wagner is without doubt one of the higher up-and-coming younger gamers within the league. He has been overshadowed the final couple of years by Orlando’s finest participant, Paolo Banchero, who has a shiny future himself. Nevertheless, he’s definitely the Magic’s second possibility and for good motive. Final yr, Wagner averaged career-highs throughout a couple of statistical classes. He tallied 19.7 factors, 1.1 steals, 5.3 complete rebounds, and three.7 assists per sport whereas capturing 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 share of 18.8 p.c, a participant effectivity score of 17.6, and a utilization price of 25.7 p.c. The ceiling is definitely excessive for Franz Wagner. Particularly if he can ultimately develop a dependable shot from three-point vary and proceed to evolve defensively. Contemplating all of this, he matches proper into the Orlando Magic’s long-term plans.
Orlando’s Shiny 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 growing at a powerful price. To not point out, the addition of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope will alleviate a few of their capturing woes. Plus, it’s going to give them a voice within the locker room with championship expertise.
Some friends additionally anticipate Banchero to ultimately 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 price, then the contract extension will ultimately be appeared upon as one of many smarter choices the group has made. Particularly with what number of profitable contracts have been given this offseason and can be given sooner or later.
