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Magic Star Paolo Banchero Sends Clear Message on Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Reign Amurao | Last updated May 4, 2025 8:57 PM ET

Paolo Banchero ended his third year with the Orlando Magic on a high note. Under his leadership, the Magic made another playoff appearance, Banchero's second. The third-year forward is still under contract with Orlando, but there's concern regarding his future.

Banchero is in the third year of his contract, and his current four-year, $50 million rookie deal will expire after the 2025-26 NBA season. After a second All-Star season, the former Duke standout could negotiate a five-year agreement with the franchise.

Fortunately for the fans, Banchero is interested in staying with the franchise long term. After the Magic's first-round exit against the Boston Celtics, the star spoke to the reporters during their team's exit interview and touched on his plans.

"I mean, I love it here, man, I tell people all the time," Banchero said.

"My first two years I was living downtown, you know, didn't really leave downtown, just went back and forth from here to the gym," Banchero said. "I think in the last year or so, I've been able to really get myself settled in here and get more comfortable. And it's a place that I love spending time here. ... [I] look forward to hopefully spending a lot more years here."

Not that it was ever in question but you want to hear your star player have a desire to stay. Paolo Banchero said he loves it in Orlando, when asked: “I couldn’t be more happy to be a part of the Orlando Magic, look forward to spending a lot more years here.”

: @OrlandoMagic pic.twitter.com/MBBi49TpDL
— Fawzan Amer (@FAmer__) May 1, 2025

According to ESPN's Bobby Marks, Banchero's extension could be a five-year, $247 million deal. One thing to note for the Magic would be their future finances once they sign their franchise player to a new deal.

Aside from the money the Magic is expected to give Banchero, they have the contract extensions of Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs. Wagner signed a five-year, $224 million rookie maximum contract extension, set to kick in next season. Suggs' five-year, $150.5 million contract extension will also start in the next campaign.

Orlando could commit to over $600 million for the three players.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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