Magic guard Jalen Suggs is eligible for a rookie-scale extension up till October 21 and expressed optimism on Monday at Orlando’s media day that he and the group will be capable of work one thing out, as Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel relays. President of basketball operations Jeff Weltman echoed that optimism.
“Jalen is a giant a part of what we’re doing and everyone is aware of that,” Weltman stated. “For the person who he’s, for the participant that he’s, I’m all the time hopeful that we are able to get one thing accomplished. We’ve nice relations along with his representatives. I do know that Jalen desires to be part of the Magic. He’s an integral a part of the chemistry and the group on and off the courtroom. … We’ve had communications along with his reps, however past that I gained’t converse on these conversations.”
The No. 51 general decide within the 2021 draft, Suggs struggled to attain effectively throughout his first two NBA seasons however loved a breakout yr in 2023-24.
In 75 video games (all begins), the 23-year-old averaged a career-high 12.6 factors per sport on .471/.397/.756 taking pictures whereas additionally chipping in 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 1.4 steals per evening. He earned a spot on the All-Defensive Second Group and confirmed up on Most Improved Participant and Defensive Participant of the Yr ballots.
After the Magic parted with Markelle Fultz in free company and opted to not pursue an improve on the level guard spot, Suggs figures to see a “important” bump in offensive obligations, head coach Jamahl Mosley stated on Monday. The fourth-year guard is welcoming that problem.
“It’s one thing that I’ve wished from the day I’ve stepped into this league,” Suggs stated. “I wasn’t ready for it (earlier than). I wasn’t prepared for it. God knew that and He slowed me down by way of accidents, unhealthy occasions and trials, and actually examined my resolve and the way badly I wished to be right here. And I need to be right here. I don’t need to be anyplace else.”
As we famous inside our check-in on the Magic’s offseason, Suggs’ representatives at Wasserman Basketball will possible carry up the five-year, $131M rookie-scale extension Jaden McDaniels signed final fall of their conversations with Orlando’s entrance workplace.
The Timberwolves ahead averaged 12.1 PPG with a .398 3PT% and performed glorious protection in the course of the 2022-23 season earlier than signing that contract, so Suggs’ reps may argue that their consumer deserves the same deal, given his related third-year numbers — or maybe even a extra profitable one, after accounting for his added offensive obligations.
If Suggs and the Magic don’t comply with phrases on an extension this fall, he’ll be eligible for restricted free company subsequent summer time.
