The Orlando Magic have quite literally cast their spell on retaining one of basketball’s most promising young wizards. Paolo Banchero, the charismatic power forward who has enchanted crowds with his skill and flair since stepping onto the NBA stage, is officially bound to the Magic for another five glorious years. But this is no ordinary contract—it is a sizable five-year, $287 million max rookie contract extension that could see Banchero walking away with quite the fairy-tale sum if he meets all his incentives.
This colossal commitment sends a clear message to the rest of the NBA: Orlando is ready to re-enter the fray of serious contenders. If you close your eyes and think back to the days when Dwight Howard’s slam dunks were making hearts race and opponents wince—those were the times where Orlando was spoken about in tones of awe and respect. The team is now saying goodbye to seemingly endless seasons of rebuilding and welcoming a fresh phase of competitive basketball.
Paolo Banchero, originally hailing from the rainy coast of Seattle and polished through the blue-blooded basketball program at Duke, swiftly made his case as a number one pick after Orlando snagged him in the 2022 NBA Draft. He ran away with the Rookie of the Year award, making his mark with an average of 20.0 points and nearly seven rebounds per game. Year two saw him only ascend, logging 22.6 points per outing and clinching his first All-Star appearance in 2024—a tease of greatness that Magic supporters can now look forward to for a few more rotations of the Earth around the sun.
And then, just when you might think he had hit his crescendo, Banchero’s following season went stratospheric, amping up to 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 4.8 assists each night on the hardwood. Such daring feats on the court reinvigorated an Orlando fan base, who had endured seasons on the fringes of competitiveness, and now have valid reasons to sport their blue and black with pride.
The contraction of a once lengthy playoff drought was tangible last season, with Orlando scraping through to the postseason after snagging the Southeast Division title, ending at even Stevens—41 wins and 41 losses. However, in a reshuffled Eastern Conference where historical powers like Boston and New York are jostling for their own piece of the pie, Orlando is savoring its opportunity. With talents like Franz Wagner complementing Banchero, and a gutsy trade investing in Desmond Bane through five first-rounders, they’re signaling no qualms about leaning fully into win-now mode.
Beyond the court, Banchero mania is stirring the cauldron of collectible sports cards. Despite the underdog market status of Orlando, collectors are zeroing in on Banchero memorabilia, spurred by his stellar performances and soaring contract valuation. For the casual collector, it’s still possible to snag a slice of Banchero history, with 2023-24 Panini Select Retail Blue cards available for about a dollar—an entry-level price for fans just dipping their toes into collecting.
But not all cards are created equal, and for those seeking rare gems, wallets might need a little extra padding. High-end variants are seeing a rise in value, with Banchero’s 2022-23 Panini Obsidian Rookie Eruption Auto (#/75) nearing $200, and the 2022 Panini Prizm Penmanship Purple Ice Auto (#/99) dancing anywhere from $200 for nearly mint condition, to a luxurious $500 if pristine—each inclusion worthy of any robust Magic fan’s collection.
With Banchero anchoring the Magic’s future, there’s a reinvigorated sense of optimism surrounding the team’s trajectory. This contract is more than just numbers on a page; it stakes a path for the Magic to potentially recreate their past glories. To fans, it feels like the beginning of a dynasty being sculpted, a journey toward once more dominating the NBA landscape. As the ink dries on this monumental deal, you can already feel the winds of change swirling around Orlando, hinting at a magical journey ahead.
