Magic Center Moritz Wagner has re-signed with the team on a one-year, $5 million contract. Orlando believes the fan-favorite will be healthy and contributing around Christmas after tearing his ACL last season.

Dec 19, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; -Orlando Magic center Moritz Wagner (21) shoots s free throw against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first quarter at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Orlando Magic Resign Center Moritz Wagner on 1-Year Contract for $5 Million

Every Magic fan remembers December 21, 2024 – it was the best of times, it was the worst of times, as they say. The injury-plagued squad were playing their division rivals Miami Heat in the absence of Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner, Jalen Suggs and Gary Harris. Early in the first quarter Moe Wagner, the energetic center who averaged 12.9 points last season, went down with a left knee injury – later confirmed to be a torn ACL. The Magic – losing another center when Wendell Carter Jr was ejected at halftime – were down 25 points at home, deflated, shocked, and discouraged.

Cole Anthony then led Orlando’s bench to victory in one of the most legendary, improbable comebacks in franchise history, scoring 27 of his 35 points in the second half to defeat Miami 121-114. Exhausted and saddened by their teammate’s season-ending impairment, Anthony dedicated the win to Wagner and their loyal fan base.

Fast forward more than six months. and team president Jeff Weltman has delivered on his promise to surround their budding superstars Banchero and Franz with a win-now supporting cast by trading for Desmond Bane and signing Tyus Jones. Hard-capped at the first apron, the Magic were reaching their payroll threshold with Banchero’s max extension imminent.

Gambling that Moe would be inclined to stay with his brother Franz on a beefed-up group ready to feast in the East, they declined his team option ($11 million) and re-signed him to a 1-year, $5 million contract. Terms also include a no-trade clause. Until his expected return around Christmas, Carter Jr. and Goga Bitadze will run the five spot.

How is Wagner’s ACL Rehabilitation Going?

“It will be ready when it’s ready,” Moe recently stated on the OMR Podcast, speaking about his knee. In daily 2.5-hour strength training sessions, he had to “learn to walk, so to speak.” He also stated, “Soon I’ll be running. I prioritize that pretty heavily. You put so much time into it…so you’re not risking anything.”

After staying with family in Germany, Wagner has returned to the US. Following a brief and well-deserved vacation, Magic staff expect his attendance in training camp. Team doctors cleared him for full participation.

How Does Wagner View His Current Role and Contract?

“I didn’t think about it much,” said Wagner of this offseason’s contract negotiations. “I try to distract myself a little…I have to be honest and say that I used to be really stressed out in the past, and that’s because I wasn’t really sure of my own worth, my role in the team or whether I was valued at all – and that is different this year. I’ve developed a unique self-confidence in my skills…I’m very good at it [basketball]. I know what I’m worth. I am totally relaxed about it.”

For the Magic faithful, Wagner’s new contract and renewed optimism are icing on the cake for what is the most welcome offseason progression in recent memory. The 28-year-old was making a strong case for Sixth Man of the Year before going down. He has a unique gift for burrowing under opponents’ skin with his physicality. His comeback could join their 2024 defeat of Miami as one of the greatest in Orlando’s history.

Photo credit: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images