Paolo Banchero is poised to enter a pivotal offseason, as he becomes eligible for a contract extension with the Orlando Magic.
All signs point toward a long-term commitment between the rising star and the franchise that drafted him first overall in 2022.
Banchero has emerged as the face of the Magic’s rebuild, and based on his recent comments, he appears eager to continue building his career in Orlando.
“I love it here, man,” Banchero said. “I think in the last year or so, I’ve been able to get myself settled in here and get more comfortable. It’s a place that I love spending time [in]. My family loves spending time here. And I couldn’t be more happy to be a part of the Orlando Magic. So I look forward to hopefully spending a lot more years here.”
The 22-year-old forward is coming off a standout season, averaging 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists over 46 games, firmly establishing himself as one of the league’s premier young talents.
With his rookie contract nearing its extension window, Banchero is widely expected to sign a maximum five-year deal with the Magic.
The only remaining question surrounding the extension is whether it will include the “Derrick Rose Rule” designation, which allows players who meet certain performance-based criteria, such as making an All-NBA team, to earn up to 30 percent of the salary cap instead of the standard 25 percent.
The Magic set a precedent when they included the Rose Rule clause in Franz Wagner’s extension, signaling they may do the same for Banchero if he qualifies.
Represented by agent Mike Miller, Banchero was the top pick in the 2022 NBA Draft out of Duke and has quickly become the centerpiece of Orlando’s resurgence.
Paolo Banchero Signals Interest In Signing Extension With Magic https://t.co/7JTOjspgxi
— RealGM (@RealGM) May 1, 2025
