Latest news with #LIFTsports
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Paolo Banchero agrees to five-year max contract with unique option
The post Paolo Banchero agrees to five-year max contract with unique option appeared first on ClutchPoints. Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero was a first overall NBA Draft pick, and he has panned out so far. The Magic have a budding superstar, and they are locking him in for the forseeable future. Banchero and Orlando agreed to terms on a five-year rookie max contract extension on Monday, and the deal is worth $287 million. The contract also includes a player option, which is rare for a rookie max. Advertisement 'Breaking: Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero has agreed to a five-year maximum rookie contract extension that could reach $287 million, Mike Miller of LIFT Sports Management tells ESPN,' Shams Charania said in a post. 'Deal includes a player option; the first for a rookie max since 2021 (Luka Doncic, Trae Young).' Paolo Banchero will have a chance to increase his base salary based on how he performs. If he brings home certain accolades next season, he will see an increase. 'Miller said Banchero's new deal includes triggers to elevate the base salary to the supermax should the Magic franchise cornerstone make either an All-NBA team or earn MVP or Defensive Player of the Year honors next season,' a report from ESPN states. So far, selecting Banchero has worked out for the Magic. After being one of the best players in college basketball with Duke, Banchero was selected with the first overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft. He has now been in the league for three seasons, and there are few players that have a brighter future. Banchero is 22, and he has put up some ridiculously impressive numbers. Advertisement 'He's only the eighth player in NBA history to average at least 25, 7 and 4 at age 22 or younger,' the report added. 'And he joined Tracy McGrady and Shaquille O'Neal as the only Magic players to average more than 25 points in a season.' The rebuild seems to be complete for the Magic. They were one of the better teams in the Eastern Conference last season, and now that Paolo Banchero is locked in, Orlando has its core all in place. Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Banchero are all going to be around for a long time, and this team is only going to get better. Related: Orlando bringing back Moe Wagner on 1-year deal Related: Magic's latest decision leads to Mac McClung entering free agency
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. secures $122 million contract extension
The post Rockets' Jabari Smith Jr. secures $122 million contract extension appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Houston Rockets' offseason continues to get better as rising star Jabari Smith Jr. will commit to them in the long term. Advertisement Smith intends on signing a five-year, $122 million contract extension with the Rockets, per ESPN's NBA insider Shams Charania. 'Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. intends to sign a five-year, $122 million rookie contract extension, sources tell ESPN. Rockets officials and Smith's agent, Wallace Prather of LIFT Sports Management, negotiated the fully guaranteed deal through 2030-31 season,' Charania said on Sunday. Smith will enter the final year of his four-year rookie contract next season. He is coming off a 2024-25 campaign where he averaged 12.2 points, seven rebounds and 1.1 assists throughout 57 appearances. He was productive in the playoffs, providing 7.4 points and 3.9 rebounds per contest against the Golden State Warriors. What's next for Jabari Smith Jr., Rockets Troy Taormina-Imagn Images It's a great sign of long-term security for the Rockets, keeping Jabari Smith Jr. with the extension. Advertisement Smith has showcased incredible athleticism and defensive moments throughout his time with the franchise. Since Houston picked him third overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, the young forward has made the most of his chances with the organization. The Rockets are coming off a blockbuster trade to acquire Kevin Durant from the Phoenix Suns on June 22. They sent Jalen Green, Dillon Brooks and multiple first-round picks to complete the deal. This allowed Houston to not give up most of their depth, elevating their chances to compete for a title. They are finished with a strong 52-30 record in the 2024-25 season, taking the second spot in the Western Conference. Despite falling in seven games in the first round to the Warriors, the Rockets displayed a lot of potential. Which is why went through with the trade for Durant, landing a veteran star who will give them consistent scoring while bringing solid defense. Their aspirations for a title continues to look more promising. Related: Rockets emerge as serious Dorian Finney-Smith suitor Related: NBA rumors: Ty Jerome suitors lining up amid expected Cavs exit
