The Orlando Magic are big fans of Anthony Black and have no desire to trade the young guard despite uncertainty surrounding his contract extension, according to Marc Stein of The Stein Line.
Orlando’s challenge is balancing Black’s development with the financial commitments already made to its established core. The Magic have long-term contracts in place for Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane, leaving the franchise with limited flexibility to commit additional money.
“But Orlando also knows that its payroll can’t withstand another pricey long-term deal with Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Desmond Bane all on long-term pacts,” Stein reported.
The Magic are unlikely to reach an extension agreement with Black before the deadline, according to reporting from Stein and Jake Fischer. If no deal is reached, the 22-year-old could enter restricted free agency in the summer of 2027, allowing Orlando to match an offer from another team.
Black is entering the final season of his four-year, $33 million rookie-scale contract. Orlando’s decision to delay an extension does not necessarily signal a willingness to move him, as the team continues to view him as an important part of its future.
The sixth overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft made significant progress during the 2025-26 season, averaging career highs of 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 64 games. He also recorded 1.4 steals per game while shooting 44.7% from the field.
Black started 40 games and averaged 29.8 minutes per appearance, establishing himself as more than a reserve. His scoring average increased from 4.6 points in 16.9 minutes per game as a rookie to 9.4 points in 2024-25 before reaching 15.0 points last season.
His three-point shooting remains an area to watch. Black converted 33.3% of his attempts from beyond the arc in 2025-26, down from 39.4% during his rookie campaign, but his overall development has strengthened his position in Orlando’s rotation.
The financial implications of a new deal are central to the situation. The Magic’s four established core players are scheduled to earn a combined $154.8 million in 2026-27, while the franchise’s active payroll is projected at approximately $209.9 million.
Orlando is already above the NBA’s first tax apron and has limited room before reaching the second apron. A substantial commitment to Black could further restrict the team’s ability to build depth and manage its roster in the coming seasons.
The Magic have taken a conservative approach to their offseason additions, bringing back Nikola Vucevic on a one-year minimum contract and adding minimum deals for Jevon Carter and Jonathan Isaac.
Black’s potential restricted free agency would give Orlando a chance to evaluate the market before deciding how much to invest in his next contract. The team could retain him by matching an offer sheet, although a significant deal would add further pressure to an already expensive payroll.
