What Jalen Suggs ‘knows’ about possible contract extension

Suggs expressed his deep connection to the Magic organization and the city he now calls home.

“Coming in here as a 19-year-old, going on 20, this place has seen my ups and downs. This place has experienced all that I have. This is where I have lived. This is where my family has called home for the past four years. So, this place has my entire heart. For as long as I’ll be here, this place has my whole heart. I just can’t wait to continue to come out here on the court and show how appreciative and grateful I am for this place and everything they’ve done for me—through my play and through everything I do.”

Jalen Suggs is coming off a career-best season, where he averaged 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals in 27 minutes per game. His defensive prowess was a standout, as he finished 11th in defensive Estimated Plus-Minus (EPM), ranking in the 97th percentile among NBA players, according to Dunks and Threes. Suggs also made significant strides in his offensive game, improving his three-point shooting to nearly 40%, a marked improvement that contributed to his overall impact.

His performance earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defense second team, and he was in consideration for both the Defensive Player of the Year and Most Improved Player awards. Suggs’ growth was instrumental in Orlando’s success last season, helping the team secure 47 wins and a fifth seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Balancing contract negotiations with heightened responsibilities as key playmaker for Magic

As Suggs prepares for the upcoming season, he focuses on building on his past successes while balancing ongoing contract negotiations. With increased responsibility on the court, particularly in playmaking, he gains more opportunities to showcase his expanded skill set. “This place has given me everything,” Suggs said, “and I want to give everything back.”

For Suggs, the personal connection to Orlando extends beyond basketball. Reflecting on his growth from a rookie to a key figure in the team’s future, he remains grounded in his faith and the relationships he’s built within the organization and the community.

“I know there’s a plan for me,” Suggs said. “And I’m just excited to keep playing the game I love, for the city and team that’s helped me grow.”

With the October 21 deadline approaching, Jalen Suggs and the Orlando Magic are carefully weighing their options. Despite no agreement yet, the mutual respect between the player and franchise drives both sides to work diligently toward finding common ground. If they finalize a deal, Suggs will continue his journey with the team he holds close to his heart. Otherwise, restricted free agency next summer could force the Magic to defend their investment in one of their rising stars.

In the meantime, Suggs focuses on the upcoming season, determined to contribute both on and off the court, trusting that everything will unfold as planned.