With Carter Jr. locked for the subsequent 5 years, is the up-and-coming middle nonetheless a helpful commerce piece down the highway?
Carter Jr. nonetheless has two remaining years left on his present deal however the Magic couldn’t danger dropping their massive man for nothing if he turns into accessible within the free-agency market in 2026.
The Magic’s view of the 6-foot-11 middle as an vital member of their core seems to have persuaded the group to signal Carters to a three-year extension.
After placing stable numbers in his first three seasons with the Chicago Bulls, Carter Jr arrived in Orlando in 2021 as a part of the bundle in alternate for then All-Star massive man Nikola Vucevic.
The Duke product has continued to provide first rate numbers over the subsequent 4 seasons with the Magic, serving because the staff’s defensive anchor and high-percentage scorer.
Carter Jr. had his breakout 12 months in his first full season with the Magic (2021-22 season), averaging 15.0 factors and 10.5 rebounds whereas capturing 52.5 p.c from the sector. He then adopted up robust by averaging 15.2 ppg. on 52.5 p.c capturing and eight.7 rpg. in the course of the 2022-23 season.
Though Carter Jr.’s numbers went all the way down to 11.0 ppg. and 6.9 rpg. final season, he nonetheless posted a robust defensive score of 111.0 whereas averaging 6.9 rebounds per sport.
Nevertheless, following the Magic’s resolution to lock up the massive man for 3 extra years, NBA groups who beforehand fielded robust curiosity in him are anticipated to not aggressively pursue a commerce for him as a result of he now has an extended deal that may have an effect on their monetary flexibility sooner or later.
Make no mistake, Carter Jr. remains to be a helpful commodity on the commerce market for the reason that NBA is operating out of true facilities.
However in an period of NBA basketball the place monetary flexibility is valued greater than making upgrades – because of the creation of the second apron on the wage cap – it’s evident that Wendell Carter Jr. is not a commerce candidate, no less than in the interim.
