Franz Wagner Returns, and the Magic Waste No Time Reaping the Benefits
The Orlando Magic didn’t just get a player back Monday night - they got a spark, a stabilizer, and a whole lot of upside in the form of Franz Wagner. After missing nine straight games and 25 of the last 27 with a left ankle injury, Wagner made his long-awaited return against the Bucks. And while he came off the bench for the first time in his NBA career, his impact was anything but reserved.
Wagner logged just 17 minutes under a “very strict” minutes restriction, but he made every one of them count. The third-year forward dropped 14 points on an efficient 6-of-10 shooting clip, dished out five assists, and looked like a player who hadn’t missed a beat - or a month.
This wasn’t just a feel-good story about a player returning from injury. This was a reminder of how much Wagner means to this Magic team - especially on both ends of the floor. His ability to create, to make smart reads, to defend multiple positions - it all showed up immediately, even in a limited role.
Orlando’s 118-99 win over Milwaukee wasn’t just a statement; it was a glimpse of what this team looks like when one of its most important pieces is back in the mix. The Magic will continue to be cautious with Wagner’s minutes, as they should, but even a scaled-back version of him shifts the dynamics. He brings poise to the offense and versatility to the defense - two things that are hard to come by and even harder to replace.
Hornets Add Depth with Connaughton, Lock in Evbuomwan
In Charlotte, the Hornets made a couple of moves that won’t dominate headlines but could quietly pay dividends down the stretch.
Veteran swingman Pat Connaughton inked a two-year minimum-salary deal, with a team option for next season. He’ll earn $1.3 million for the remainder of this season, and if the Hornets like what they see, they can bring him back in 2026-27 for $3.8 million.
Connaughton’s game isn’t flashy, but it’s reliable. He brings playoff experience, defensive toughness, and a willingness to do the little things - the kind of player who can help stabilize a young roster or provide spot minutes in key situations.
The Hornets also locked up Tosan Evbuomwan on a two-way deal that runs through the 2026-27 season. That puts him on the same long-term track as PJ Hall, giving Charlotte some developmental continuity. Antonio Reeves, meanwhile, remains the lone two-way player on a one-year deal.
For a team still trying to figure out its long-term identity, these are the kinds of moves that can help fill in the margins - and sometimes, the margins matter more than people realize.
Wizards’ Gamble on Anthony Davis Hinges on Health and Dollars
In Washington, the Anthony Davis trade continues to loom large - and the next few months could determine just how big of a swing it really was.
According to cap expert Yossi Gozlan, the Wizards are in a bit of a holding pattern. Davis is a franchise-altering talent when he’s healthy, but that “when” remains the operative word. If he can stay on the floor and play at an elite level, the conversation about a long-term extension becomes a lot more straightforward.
But if Davis is looking for a max deal - and all signs point to that being the case - the Wizards will need to weigh that price tag against his availability. It’s not just about talent; it’s about trust. Can they count on him to be the cornerstone of this rebuild, or will injuries continue to cloud the picture?
Right now, Washington is watching and waiting. There’s no rush to make a decision, but the stakes are high.
Davis has the potential to be the face of the franchise - or a very expensive what-if. The next chapter of this story will be written on the court, not in the front office.