The Magic introduced (by way of Twitter) that they’ve exercised their 2025/26 rookie scale choices on Paolo Banchero, Anthony Black and Jett Howard.
The No. 1 total choose of the 2022 draft, Banchero received Rookie of the Yr in ’22/23 and adopted that up along with his first All-Star look in ’23/24. Now that his fourth-year choice for ’25/26 (value $15,334,769) has been picked up, Banchero can be eligible for a rookie scale extension subsequent summer season.
Clearly, it was a foregone conclusion that Orlando would train its choice on Banchero, who not too long ago mentioned what he’s been working to enhance as he enters his third season. He’ll earn $12,160,800 in ’24/25.
Black, a 6’7″ guard, and Howard, a 6’8″ wing, have been each lottery picks in 2023 (No. 6 and No. 11, respectively). Howard solely performed 67 common season minutes over 18 NBA video games, having spent a lot of his rookie season within the G League. Black was a rotation common although, averaging 4.6 factors and a pair of.0 rebounds in 69 common season video games (16.9 minutes per contest).
Each gamers have been already underneath contract this season. This transfer means they’ll earn assured salaries for his or her third seasons in ’25/26. Black will make subsequent season $7,970,280, whereas Howard will earn $5,529,720.
Our tracker has the complete listing of rookie scale crew choices for ’25/26. The deadline for groups to make these selections is Oct. 31.
