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ORLANDO — Rival executives are watching Anthony Black after he and the Orlando Magic passed the rookie-scale extension deadline without a deal. But team and league sources pushed back on the idea that he would be the odd man out, The Athletic’s Sam Amick reported on Nov. 13.
Amick’s report described curiosity among rival teams, not trade talks, and it did not report that Orlando is shopping Black. It did report that breaking up the rest of the Magic’s core, outside of Black, is in play if Orlando falls short of expectations again after three straight first-round exits.
Orlando’s payroll sat $2.5 million below the second apron as of Amick’s Nov. 13 report. Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs each make more than $30 million annually on long-term deals, Amick reported.
Anthony Black Heads Toward Restricted Free Agency
The rookie-scale extension deadline passed at 5 p.m. CT on Oct. 19 without a deal, putting Black on track for restricted free agency next summer. Orlando can match any offer sheet he signs, and the Magic have until June 29 to make a qualifying offer, Spectrum News 13 reported.
Orlando made its interest in keeping Black clear during the negotiations, Amick reported. Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman said the team hoped to reach an agreement and expected Black to have a great year if it did not, according to Spectrum News 13.
“We believe he’s a bright young player in this league who’s just going to get better and better,” Weltman said.
Spectrum News 13 reported that Orlando has about $193 million committed to eight players for next season, with the second apron projected at about $236 million. Banchero signed a five-year, $239 million deal, Wagner a five-year, $224 million deal, and Suggs a five-year, $150 million deal.
Black Moved Into Starting Lineup After Jalen Suggs Injury
Black moved into the starting lineup after Suggs suffered a mild right knee bone bruise in the fourth quarter of an Oct. 25 win over the New York Knicks. The Magic said the next day that Suggs would be reevaluated in two weeks. Banchero has played two games this season.
Before Friday, Black was averaging career highs of 17.8 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 5.5 assists in 31.5 minutes through eight games. He had 26 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals in a Nov. 10 game at Sacramento.
In Friday’s 107-99 win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Black had 5 points on 1-of-9 shooting and 5 assists in 36 minutes. Through nine games, he is averaging 16.3 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 5.4 assists.
Last season, Black averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 64 games, including 40 starts. Orlando drafted him sixth overall out of Arkansas in 2023.
Magic Have Won Three Straight
Wagner led Orlando on Friday with 35 points, 12 assists, and 9 rebounds. The win was the Magic’s first at home this season and their third straight, improving them to 5-7.
Orlando visits the Boston Celtics on Monday at TD Garden. Tip-off is set for 6 p.m. CT.
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