Paolo Banchero’s $287 Million Extension has Fans Questioning His Worth: “Can’t Make it Out of the First Round”

Duke standout Paolo Banchero leads a young Orlando Magic core that hopes to become a consistent playoff threat over the years.

Paolo Banchero’s $287 Million Extension has Fans Questioning His Worth: “Can’t Make it Out of the First Round”

Paolo Banchero earns $287 million rookie extension (Image via FirstSportz)

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At one point last season, the Orlando Magic looked like a team that was on a mission. They were young, but the way they played gave the suggestion that they feared no one. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner and their teammates looked unstoppable.

Their performances against some of the better teams in the league reinforced the Banchero’s early season prediction that they would be the Dark Horses in the East. However, soon after a couple of those wins, their season started to go sideways.

Injuries to Banchero, then Moritz Wagner, then his brother Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs etc., all started to play havoc with their potential. Their fans believed the team was cursed. However, the franchise top brass had seen enough to know their future is bright.

They had already tied down Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs to long-term deals. Now, it was the time to hand their most important star, Duke standout Paolo Banchero, with a rookie extension that would tie him down for the future.

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. Deal includes a player option; the first for a rookie max since 2021 (Luka Doncic, Trae Young).

Shams Charania revealed on X

With this contract, they secure the 23-year-old’s services until the 2030 season. The actual minimum guarantee is nearly $240 million. That number alone will guarantee him a near $48 million in average salary.

Fans confused if Paolo Banchero is worth that much

Per Shams Charania, the total amount he can earn goes up to $287 million. That means the remaining $47 million is in bonuses, which could be tied to various individual and team goals. If he does achieve all that, his annual average goes up to $57.4 million.

Orlando Magic's young core can lead them into postseason
Orlando Magic’s young core can lead them into postseason (Image via Orlando Magic/X)

Basketball fans believe that figure does not justify the shell out for a player such as Paolo Banchero. They pointed at the lack of team success, and that he has not done enough to suggest he can drag the team on his own.

They referenced to the Magic’s performances when the Wagner brothers and Jalen Suggs were out. In those games, the Duke standout was good, but not at a level that justifies paying him $57 million a year. Check out some of those negative reactions below:

Just like every young player, Paolo Banchero is still learning the tricks of the trade. He knows the Orlando Magic are treating him like their most important star. Which means, now the pressure is for him to perform as such.

The onus will be on him to take the next step, and the contract he has earned is an indication that the Magic believes he will get there soon enough. The first order of business is to stay healthy, both individually and as a team.

Magic tie down one more member of the core

The Orlando Magic want to take the next step in their goal to become NBA title ready. Last season, they noticed how the young squad featuring Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and the others struggled with health.

This season, they are hoping it will be better, and have already made the first move in anticipation of a good run in the postseason. Their trade for Desmond Bane was seen as a bold move, and one that helps them both in terms of leadership and on-court play.

Before signing Banchero, Shams Charania revealed that the Magic also signed Moritz Wagner to a one-year, $5 million deal. This essentially gives him the same no-trade clause that Jaxson Hayes recently received from the Lakers.

Wagner’s signing is a positive piece of business for the franchise, who want to fill the roster with pieces that complement their young core. If healthy, the team has a legitimate shot at making the postseason.

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