The Orlando Sentinel's Jason Beede reported that the Magic and Anthony Black did not reach a rookie-scale extension before Monday's 6 p.m. deadline, and that Black is headed toward restricted free agency after the season. That puts a contract question on a 22-year-old guard two days before the opener against Atlanta.
Black's next step now comes with a price tag attached.
Black is 22, entering his third year, and produced 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 64 games last season while shooting 33.3 percent from three. RealGM reported the Magic were not expected to extend him, and the Sentinel confirmed no agreement came. The reason is on the ledger: Orlando's payroll is $223.3 million, above the second apron, with Wagner, Banchero, Bane and Suggs already holding the four biggest deals. Orlando Magic Daily framed it as a looming cap crunch. Black's development this season is now also a negotiation.
The opener depends on four unresolved names.
Black, Franz Wagner, Jase Richardson and Jonathan Isaac are all unresolved for Wednesday, each with October 21 as the target. Sean Sweeney said Wagner did some light work in Sunday's practice, per the Sentinel, and the team is still evaluating the right shoulder. Noah Penda is out with a partially torn right hamstring and Izaiyah Nelson with a left ankle, both pointed at November 18. Orlando comes in on four days of rest after a 136-115 preseason win over Miami.
Atlanta is a real measuring stick on night one.
The Hawks went 46-36 last season with a plus-2.2 net rating, and Jalen Johnson put up 22.5 points, 10.3 rebounds and 7.9 assists a game. They arrive with Mouhamed Gueye and Henri Veesaar out, on the second of two road games. Orlando's net rating last season was 0.6, so this is a game the roster has to earn, not inherit.
The open question is whether Wagner starts the season at all.
Nothing since the light-work note on Sunday has settled it. If Wagner sits, Banchero, Bane and da Silva carry the offense against a team that finished a game ahead of Orlando last year.
Did Anthony Black sign an extension with the Magic?
No. The Orlando Sentinel reported that no rookie-scale extension was reached before Monday's 6 p.m. deadline, so Black is headed toward restricted free agency after the season.
Is Franz Wagner playing in the Magic opener against the Hawks?
That is not settled. He is listed with a right shoulder issue and an October 21 target, and Sean Sweeney said the team is still evaluating him after light work on Sunday.
