The Orlando Magic have begun extension negotiations with Anthony Black. The 2023 sixth overall pick averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.4 steals across 64 games in 2025-26. Black shot 44.7 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three while averaging 29.8 minutes for a team that reached the first round of the playoffs.
Black remains under his rookie-scale contract through the 2026-27 season at a $10.1 million salary before he hits restricted free agency. Signing an extension this summer would push the Magic into second-apron territory by 2028. That would limit them to minimum contracts, bar salary aggregation in trades and add to first-apron restrictions already in place for 2027.
Black's 6-foot-7 size, defensive versatility and improved creation off the dribble fit the Magic's switch-heavy scheme. His skill set complements Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner in half-court sets. His steal rate and transition impact give the roster the two-way margin it needs when opponents load up on the frontcourt stars.
The Magic have retained their core young players through prior extensions while navigating rising luxury-tax thresholds. Black's deal would continue that pattern but accelerate the shift into stricter apron rules the front office anticipated after multiple successful drafts.
Extension talks run through the summer with a likely decision point before training camp opens in September. If an agreement lands below market value for a 22-year-old with his production, Orlando gains breathing room to address bench depth without immediately triggering second-apron restrictions.
Black's trajectory shows steady growth from his rookie averages of 4.6 points to his current level. The extension represents a measured bet on continued development rather than a max-level commitment.
Orlando Magic 