Orlando Magic lock in Paolo Banchero with five-year deal worth up to $287 million
The Orlando Magic are making a bold commitment to their franchise cornerstone. According to multiple reports, the team has secured All-Star forward Paolo Banchero on a five-year maximum extension that could be worth as much as $287 million.
The contract includes a player option and performance-based incentives. Banchero, just 22, has been one of the standout stars of a young Orlando core that has playoff aspirations and now long-term stability.
Paolo Banchero lands five-year max extension as Orlando Magic build around rising franchise star
Paolo Banchero's new deal was formally announced by the team, though exact financial terms were not disclosed per policy.
Orlando's President of Basketball Operations, Jeff Weltman, made the team's intentions clear, stating, 'We are thrilled to keep Paolo (Banchero) in a Magic uniform for years to come. At just 22, he has won
NBA
Rookie of the Year, been named an NBA All-Star and is widely regarded as one of our league's brightest young stars.
This commitment reflects our belief in Paolo's talent, character and desire to win at the highest level. It also reflects Paolo's belief in our organization, our fans and the city of Orlando. We are excited to continue this journey together.'
Banchero posted a career-best season despite missing time with a torn oblique. He averaged 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists while helping Orlando reach the postseason.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription
Techno Mag
Learn More
Undo
In five playoff games, he elevated his performance to 29.4 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists per game, tying legends Kobe Bryant and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar with seven straight 25+ point games before age 23. His stellar postseason also included multiple 30-point outings, matching Tracy McGrady's franchise playoff mark.
According to reports, Banchero's extension includes a base value of $239 million, with escalators— such as All-NBA selections, MVP honors, or Defensive Player of the Year— that could push it to the $287 million ceiling.
The deal gives him a player option for the 2030-31 season.
Even as an oblique injury limited him to under 65 games last season— disqualifying him from All-NBA eligibility— the Magic are betting big on Banchero's growth.
Also Read:
Kyle Lowry makes exclusive NBA return as Philadelphia 76ers bet big on hometown veteran
With the additions of Desmond Bane and the long-term commitments to Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs, the Magic appear ready to chase the Eastern Conference crown, and Paolo Banchero is leading the charge
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Caitlin Clark delivers surprise answer when asked about her future with the Indiana Fever
Caitlin Clark makes candid comment on her future with Indiana Fever. Image via: Paras Griffin/ Getty Images Indiana Fever star Caitlin Clark stirred up unexpected emotions this week during a Q&A with fans, prompting a wave of reactions online and in the stands. The moment came during a team event for MVP season ticket holders, where Clark, who was selected No. 1 overall in the 2024 WNBA Draft, offered an answer that sounded more cautious than committed when discussing her future in Indianapolis. Caitlin Clark gets candid about her future in the Indiana Fever While addressing how she's adjusted to life in Indiana, Caitlin Clark spoke about her connection to the city and team, but her closing remark caught fans off guard. 'Oh, gosh. I mean, I'm from the Midwest, so this was one of the top places I wanted to come out of college, and I feel like the adjustment has been pretty easy, and our fans have been amazing, and have amazing teammates, so I certainly love it here, and hopefully I'll get to play here for a few more years,' she said. For a fanbase that's embraced Clark as the future of the franchise, and perhaps the league, 'a few more years' didn't sound reassuring. One fan was even heard responding with, 'A lot more!' as Clark wrapped up her answer. Adding to the moment's ambiguity, Clark's teammates could be seen laughing, and she seemed to shrug it off with a casual 'you don't know,' possibly referencing the unpredictability of pro sports. Her comment seemed at odds with what she told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne just weeks earlier, where she painted a long-term picture alongside Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo 'Ty and I would both tell you this is where we both hope to stay the rest of our careers,' Clark said. 'People are like, 'It's a small market.' But no, that's what makes it fun... We haven't hosted a Finals game in 25 years, and I've never seen this type of excitement. People are lining up three hours before the game. I literally just got the chills thinking about it." Also Read: 'Y'all did my GOAT dirty' – Milwaukee Bucks' 'Thank You' note to Damian Lillard received strong words from fans Clark's talent is undeniable. She leads the league with 8.9 assists per game and shoots 39% from deep. Along with that, her Rookie of the Year and All-WNBA First-Team honors have only added prowess her status. The Fever are clearly building around her, but Monday's comments showed that even the most adored athletes can surprise with a single sentence, as the league, both the NBA and WNBA, are quite unpredictable in terms of players' moves. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'Those two guys work' — Brian Scalabrine backs LeBron James and Luka Doncic combo and shrugs off Lakers drama
(Image Source - Getty Images) Boston Celtics great Brian Scalabrine just revealed something big on SiriusXM NBA Radio — "Those two guys work," talking about LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Their midseason trade has definitely shaken up the NBA, leading the Lakers to a 20-12 finish and earning them the No. 3 seed in the West. Still, there are whispers in the locker room about LeBron's mood. Scalabrine isn't buying into that. He's all about the on-court connection that has returned L.A. to elite status. Why Brian Scalabrine is sold on the Los Angeles Lakers ' new star duo Once they snagged Luka Doncic in a major mid-February deal for Anthony Davis, LeBron James and the Lakers went on a 20-12 run to grab the third seed in the Western Conference. That late-season push sparked Scalabrine's thrilled endorsement on SiriusXM. — 'Those two guys work.' He went on to highlight how Luka grabs boards and fires outlet passes while LeBron punishes in transition—a combo he calls 'nasty'. Despite the flashy fireworks, the Lakers' early playoff exit—losing 4‑1 to the Minnesota Timberwolves—revealed some serious flaws. Scalabrine highlighted their difficulties defending the rim; they "couldn't defend Rudy Gobert," a concern they attempted to tackle by signing DeAndre Ayton—but it's still uncertain if he can compete against the best big men. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ultra-Luxury 3–5 BHKs Overlooking the Arabian Sea L&T The Gateway Enquire Now Undo LeBron is on record saying he's 'analyzing' the Lakers' offseason moves. His super agent Rich Paul confirmed the tension: 'LeBron knows the Lakers are building for the future, and he also wants to compete for championships… he wants to make every season he has left count.' The battle between immediate title goals and long-term planning could influence whether he remains or pursues other options. Scalabrine isn't into the off-court scene —'I don't care if LeBron's not happy… I just know from a basketball standpoint, those two guys work.' To him, chemistry seems solid. But for those who are keeping the Lakers in check, it boils down to this: can the front office's decisions align with top-tier stars—or will Star Power not be enough in the playoffs? Also Read: Skip Bayless sparks outrage after calling LeBron James a 'con artist' over Cleveland Cavaliers facility visit According to Brian Scalabrine, the magic is definitely there, and he believes that "Those two guys work"—but the Lakers really need to back that up with some roster changes and improved chemistry throughout the season. If they don't, LeBron's championship hunger could lead him to leave, and LA would be left wishing for what seemed like a dream team. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
Time of India
2 hours ago
- Time of India
Skip Bayless sparks outrage after calling LeBron James a 'con artist' over Cleveland Cavaliers facility visit
(Image Source - Getty Images) LeBron James stepped into familiar territory at the Cleveland Cavaliers' facility this summer—and suddenly, chaos followed. A simple offseason workout photo with Denver Jones blew up the internet and sent rumors swirling about a potential Lakers exit. As fans speculated, Skip Bayless threw gasoline on the fire, calling it a calculated stunt. What seemed routine turned into NBA drama overnight, with $52.6 million and legacy chatter fueling the flames. LeBron James trains at Cleveland Clinic Courts every summer LeBron James has long used the Cavs' Cleveland Clinic Courts to prepare in the off-season—a practice he emphasized in a July 5 X post — 'And every summer since it was built. I live here still and train every summer… Got damn y'all bored man!'. Although the comment was meant for fans who were a bit bored, the image of him alongside summer-league guard Denver Jones stirred up fresh rumors about him possibly leaving the Lakers. His decision to go for the $52.6 million player option for 2025-26 only heightened the speculation. — KingJames (@KingJames) Skip Bayless wasted no time turning the visit into controversy. On The Skip Bayless Show, he labeled it 'the biggest scam in NBA history,' Bayless is accusing James of manipulating the Lakers and the media narrative with that image. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo He dismissed LeBron's explanation as just a bunch of spin, even nicknaming him "LeCon James" and questioning why this secret training is now out in the open. While he pointed out the Lakers' disappointing playoff loss to Minnesota, his claims still feel overblown and lack concrete proof. LeCON JAMES JUST FLIPPED THE SCRIPT FROM PLAYOFF DISASTER TO 'THE LAKERS FAILED AND BETRAYED HIM' Born in Akron, James had an 11-season run with the Cavaliers (2003–2010, 2014–2018), famously securing the team's first NBA championship in 2016. It's no wonder he comes back every summer. Rich Paul , LeBron's agent, left the possibility of a trade open based on the Lakers' roster improvements, but he stated that there haven't been any official talks yet. At the same time, Cleveland lacks the salary cap room to take on James' $52.6 million deal. Sources have mentioned that four teams have shown interest, but no solid offers have come through. Also Read: Jordan Clarkson signs $3.6M deal with New York Knicks after the Utah Jazz buyout The picture taken at the Cavs facility, along with LeBron's cheeky yet sharp X response, feels like a deliberate act of showmanship—or just an athlete hanging out in his hometown. Bayless obviously went with the first option, igniting a national discussion. However, all the evidence—from contract numbers to Cleveland's salary cap limits—indicates that the visit was harmless. Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
