Paolo Banchero has sent a loud and clear message to the Orlando Magic fans after signing his extension.
The 22-year-old was the best player on the Orlando Magic team that finished seventh in the Eastern Conference last season.
His brilliant performances helped him earn a five-year max rookie contract extension of $239 million that could reach $287 million.
Paolo Banchero averaged 25.9 PPG, 7.5 RPG and 4.8 APG, despite having an injury-riddled 2024-25 season.
He put up brilliant numbers in the postseason as well, averaging 29-8-4 splits in the 4-1 series loss against the Boston Celtics.
NBA champion and Celtics star Jayson Tatum heaped praise on him for his performances in the series.
After securing the rookie extension, Banchero put out a video of himself working out and sending a message to the Magic fans.
Breaking: Orlando Magic star Paolo Banchero has agreed to a five-year maximum rookie contract extension that could reach $287 million, Mike Miller of LIFT Sports Management tells ESPN. Deal includes a player option; the first for a rookie max since 2021 (Luka Doncic, Trae Young). pic.twitter.com/bwnCrJbnmu
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 7, 2025
View Tweet
Banchero wants to win a championship
Banchero was picked first overall by the Magic in 2022, ahead of players like Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams.
He has showcased his brilliance, averaging 20 or more in all three seasons of his career.
The Magic have also become a playoff team with him as their leader, but Banchero wants more than just that.
After signing the max contract he expressed gratitude, but also stated his desire to win a championship.
He said: “It’s crazy where this little brown ball can take you man. Take you all over the world, help you take care of the family, make your wildest dreams come true, you could do the unthinkable with this brown ball man.
“Life’s a trip I tell you, now let’s go win g_________ championship man!”
Orlando Magic have a brilliant roster to compete
The Magic started the big trade season by bringing in Desmond Bane from the Memphis Grizzlies.
They had to trade Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Cole Anthony to do that, but Bane’s brilliant three-point shooting was a necessity for the team.
Last season, the Magic finished bottom of the league in shooting from beyond the arc, but adding a career 41% three-point shooter in Bane will certainly help improve that.
Photo by Mark Blinch/Getty Images
Additionally, they also added guard Tyus Jones to bring some depth to the point guard position.
The Magic’s Big 3 of Banchero, Franz Wagner, and Jalen Suggs are all on long-term deals, which is great news for the organization.
They had a lot of injury problems last season, but having made a few moves, they look a lot more well-constructed and capable of competing in the East.
Injuries to the likes of Tyrese Haliburton and Tatum are expected to make things a little more interesting there.
If the Magic are able to stay fit, they stand a chance to make a deep run in the playoffs as they have one of the best young cores in the league.