The Orlando Magic are hearing the noise around their roster, but they’re not buying the idea that Anthony Black is suddenly on the chopping block.
That’s the latest wrinkle as the franchise faces a growing pile of questions about how expensive this group has become. Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Desmond Bane, and Jalen Suggs are all locked into long-term deals worth more than $30 million per year, and that kind of payroll naturally has rival executives looking for pressure points.
According to The Athletic, some around the league have started wondering whether Black could eventually be the odd man out. But team and league sources familiar with Orlando’s thinking have pushed back on that notion.
Black didn’t land an extension over the summer, and he’s now headed toward restricted free agency in 2027. That uncertainty has only added to the conversation about how the Magic will manage their roster moving forward.
The financial picture is tight, too. Orlando is just $2.5 million below the second luxury tax apron, and the pressure has only grown after three straight first-round playoff exits. President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman is feeling that weight as the team tries to sort out what comes next.
On the court, the start hasn’t helped calm anything down. The Magic entered the report at 4-7 with a minus-5.0 net rating, and injuries have made life tougher for first-year coach Sean Sweeney.
Black, though, has taken advantage of the opportunity in front of him. With Suggs sidelined by a right knee injury, the 22-year-old has seen a bigger role and has produced 17.8 points, six rebounds and 5.5 assists across eight appearances.
For now, Orlando remains committed to maximizing this roster. If the season keeps going sideways, the team could look at changing other pieces of its core instead.
The Magic have already been asked whether they might break up the group after this rough start. At least right now, Black doesn’t appear to be the piece they’re eager to move. But with the payroll climbing and expectations staying high, those decisions may not stay easy for long.
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