The Magic introduced (through Twitter) that they’ve exercised their 2025-26 rookie scale choices on Paolo Banchero, Anthony Black and Jett Howard.
The No. 1 general choose of the 2022 draft, Banchero gained Rookie of the Yr in 2022-23 and adopted that up together with his first All-Star look in 2023-24. Now that his fourth-year possibility for 2025-26 (price $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 possibility on Banchero, who just lately mentioned what he’s been working to enhance as he enters his third season. He’ll earn $12,160,800 in 2024-25.
Black, a 6-foot-7 guard, and Howard, a 6-foot-8 wing, had 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 had been already below contract this season. This transfer means they’ll earn assured salaries for his or her third seasons in 2025-26. Black will make subsequent season $7,970,280, whereas Howard will earn $5,529,720.
Our tracker has the complete listing of rookie scale staff choices for 2025-26. The deadline for groups to make these selections is Oct. 31.
