Magic forward Paolo Banchero has been in the NBA for three seasons, but he has already established himself as a franchise star in Orlando. Now, he has the salary go along with that title.
According to ESPN's Shams Charania, the Magic and Banchero have agreed to a max contract extension that will keep the forward in Orlando for the foreseeable future. The 22-year-old forward was set to enter the final year of his rookie contract, but it was never a real possibility that the Magic would let that deal play out.
Despite playing in just 46 games last year, the third-year pro still averaged career highs in both points and rebounds per game while leading the Magic to the playoffs for the second straight season. He has now totaled at least 20 points per game in each of his first three seasons in the NBA.
Here's a look at the details in Banchero's new deal.
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Paolo Banchero contract details
The Magic and star Paolo Banchero have agreed to a five-year rookie max extension worth at least $239 million that begins in the 2026-27 season. That value could get up to $287 million if Banchero gets named to an All-NBA team or earns MVP or Defensive Player of the Year honors. Additionally, the fifth year of the deal features a player option, the first for a rookie extension since Luka Doncic and Trae Young got player options in their rookie contracts.
Currently, only Jayson Tatum is playing under a contract worth more than Banchero's max potential, as the Celtics' star is due up to $313 million on his deal.
Magic salary cap
The Magic now have Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs, and Desmond Bane under contract through 2029, with each making at least $35 million per season. That will give Orlando four full seasons with its core locked up to try and win its first NBA title.
Besides its core, the Magic also have Johnathan Isaac signed through 2029 while making just under $15 million a year, and Wendell Carter is also signed through 2029 with a three-year, $58 million extension that kicks in before the 2026-27 season.
Paolo Banchero stats
| Season | Games | MPG | PPG | RPG | APG | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
| 2022-23 | 72 | 33.8 | 20.0 | 6.9 | 3.7 | 42.7% | 29.8% | 73.8% |
| 2023-24 | 80 | 35.0 | 22.6 | 6.9 | 5.4 | 45.5% | 33.9% | 72.5% |
| 2024-25 | 46 | 34.4 | 25.9 | 7.5 | 4.8 | 45.2% | 32.0% | 75.7% |