The Orlando Magic may not be the most popular team among other NBA general managers at the moment.

Brian Windhorst of ESPN reported that the Magic's five-year, $224 million extension with Franz Wagner last summer made other team's believe Orlando had "inflated" the market for "young extension-eligible players."

In July, eyebrows raised across the league when the Magic signed Franz Wagner to a five-year, $224 million full max contract. Despite helping lead the Magic to their first playoff berth in four years, Wagner shot just 28% from 3-point range last season and his 11-of-42 shooting over the past three games of the Magic's playoff series was fresh in the league's mind. Some GMs who were negotiating rookie contract extensions with their own players at the time complained to ESPN that the Magic had inflated the market even as the new salary rules applied pressure to stop handing out as many max deals. One top agent told ESPN he'd even prepared his young extension-eligible players for a "recession" over the summer because of teams' fear of the new rules. Wagner's contract flew in the face of all of that.

While others around the leagues had some concerns, Windhorst reported that the Magic had no hesitation to extend Wagner and that future salary cap growth will make this a strong value deal.

As for the Magic themselves, sources said, they didn't hesitate with the offer because they love Wagner's work ethic and character, plus his physical tools. And they pointed to his free throw shooting, 85% for his career, as an indication his jump shot would round into form. There was one other factor. The salary cap is projected to jump 30% over the next three seasons as new television money phases in, and the Magic believe Wagner's salary number will have a different look once that happens.

Wagner averaged 19.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 3.7 assists in 72 games while leading the team to the postseason for the first time since 2019-20. Orlando viewed keeping the core of Wagner and Paolo Banchero in tact as an important one and so far that is paying off this season.

Wagner is averaging 23.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 5.4 assists through 17 games so far in 2024-25 and has helped the Magic get off to a 10-7 start to the season. Orlando is currently in fourth place in the Eastern Conference and appear to be headed towards another playoff berth.

Orlando currently has $20.4 million in tax space so Wagner's contract isn't putting the finances in a major bind. This, combined with a likely increasing cap, means that a contention window appears to be open for the Magic.