The Orlando Magic, now under new head coach Sean Sweeney, face a major financial decision on Anthony Black's next contract before Monday's deadline for rookie-scale extensions. The 22-year-old guard took a clear step forward last season, averaging 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists across 64 games. Orlando have yet to offer him a deal worth $22 million a year, a figure that would mirror the five-year, $110 million extension Brandin Podziemski signed with the Golden State Warriors.
The financial squeeze on the organisation is considerable. Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane will each earn more than $40 million from the 2027-28 season, while Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter Jr will take up a combined $49 million. "They are under pressure to win this season because of that payroll, and they need him because of Suggs' injury issues," one rival team executive said. Tellingly, the Magic hold just one first-round draft pick between 2027 and 2030.
