‣ The Orlando Magic have exercised their team options on forward Paolo Banchero, guard Jalen Suggs, and forward Franz Wagner, keeping them signed through the 2024-25 season.
‣ Paolo Banchero was the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft and had an impressive rookie season, averaging 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists per game.
‣ Jalen Suggs suffered a knee injury in the 2021-22 season but had a standout performance in a game against the Golden State Warriors.
We have exercised our third-year team option on forward Paolo Banchero, as well as our fourth-year team options on guard Jalen Suggs and forward Franz Wagner.
— Orlando Magic (@OrlandoMagic)
Details
The Orlando Magic have made some major moves regarding their young talent. Team President of Basketball Operations, Jeff Weltman, announced that they have exercised the third-year team option on forward Paolo Banchero, as well as the fourth-year team options on guard Jalen Suggs and forward Franz Wagner. This means that all three players are now signed with the Magic through the 2024-2025 season.
Banchero, who was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Duke University, had an impressive rookie season. In 72 starts, he averaged 20 points, 6.9 rebounds, and 3.7 assists in 33.8 minutes per game. He also had notable shooting percentages, with 42.7% from the floor, 29.8% from beyond the arc, and 73.8% at the foul line. Banchero even had six games where he scored 30 or more points. His performance earned him recognition as the first No. 1 pick to win the award in the season after being drafted since Karl-Anthony Towns in 2016.
Wagner, who was chosen eighth overall by the Magic in the 2021 NBA Draft out of the University of Michigan, also had a strong rookie season. He was named to the NBA All-Rookie First Team in 2022 after averaging 15.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.9 assists in 30.7 minutes per game. He showcased his shooting skills with career highs of 48.5% from the floor and 36.1% from downtown.
Suggs, the fifth overall pick in the 2021 NBA Draft out of Gonzaga University, had a challenging season due to injury. He suffered a left knee capsule sprain and bone bruise in October 2022, which impacted his playing time. Despite this setback, he still made an impact when he was on the court, averaging 11.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 27.2 minutes per game.
Overall, the Magic’s decision to exercise the team options on Banchero, Suggs, and Wagner shows their commitment to developing their young talent and building for the future. These players have already shown great potential and their continued growth will be exciting to watch.
