Paolo Banchero agrees to five-year rookie max extension with Magic

Orlando is locking in its franchise cornerstone. Former No. 1 pick Paolo Banchero has proven he’s more than just draft hype, and now the Magic are rewarding their rising star with a major payday. On Monday, Banchero agreed to a five-year rookie max extension worth a hefty $287 million, securing his services deep into the future.

The deal features a player option, a rare perk for first-time max extensions, signaling how much trust the front office has in his trajectory. And the pot could get even sweeter—Banchero's earnings can climb higher if he racks up individual awards next season. It’s a big bet on a young talent who’s quickly proving he’s worth every penny.

The Magic's gamble on Paolo Banchero has paid off in a big way. After dominating the college scene at Duke, Banchero was taken first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, and three years in, he's proving to be one of the league's brightest young stars. At just 22 years old, his numbers have been nothing short of eye-popping.

Orlando's rebuild looks all but finished. The Magic were a legitimate force in the East last season, and with Banchero now locked in long-term, their foundation is set. With Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Banchero all under contract for the foreseeable future, this young core is built to grow, and win, together.

Adding Desmond Bane, who's signed through 2029, only deepens the talent pool. The Magic are no longer rebuilding. They're reloaded, and ready to rise.

The Orlando Magic have officially kicked their title pursuit into high gear, pouring more than $155 million into their core four for the 2027 campaign. With Desmond Bane arriving via trade and hefty extensions handed to Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, the front office has put its chips on the table. Paolo Banchero, the No. 1 pick from the 2022 Draft, is now the crown jewel, his new max deal signals that the franchise believes he's the cornerstone of their title chase.

The pressure is on in Orlando, and it's not subtle. The Magic enter the season already pegged as the third-best bet in the East, and the expectations are sky-high. That kind of investment demands results, deep playoff runs, if not banners.

To get there, every contender needs a true alpha. The Magic believe Banchero is that guy, and now, they've backed that belief with their checkbook. With their star locked in, the mission is clear: build around him and bring a championship back to Orlando.