For the first time in a long time, there are relatively high expectations for the Orlando Magic this season. Last season, the Magic finished with a 47-35 record, their best since the 2010-11 season. Additionally, they made some solid moves this summer. Most notably, they signed two-time champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. The future is bright in Orlando in large part due to their rising duo of Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. However, there are other notable players on the team, especially young guard Jalen Suggs. Suggs is entering the final year of his rookie contract with the Magic. However, while nothing is imminent, a contract extension appears to be on the horizon.
According to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman is “hopeful” the two sides will come to terms on a new contract soon.
“Jalen is a big part of what we’re doing and everybody knows that,” Weltman said. “For the person that he is, for the player that he is, I’m always hopeful that we can get something done. We have great relations with his representatives. I know that Jalen wants to be a part of the Magic. He’s an integral part of the chemistry and the team on and off the court. We’ve had communications with his reps, but beyond that I won’t speak on those conversations,” Weltman added.
Orlando Magic Remain ‘Hopeful’ to Extend Crucial Piece
Jalen Suggs Wants to Stay With the Orlando Magic
The Magic drafted Suggs fifth overall in 2021. Since then, he has developed into a key player for the team and is fresh off the best campaign of his career. Last season, the guard averaged 12.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, 2.7 assists, and 1.4 steals per game. Additionally, he shot 47.1% from the field and 39.7% from beyond the arc. Both of these marks are easily career highs for Suggs. He also earned All-Defensive Second Team honors for the first time in his career, finished 10th in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and finished eighth in Most Improved Player voting. He has progressively gotten better, and at 23 years old, he still has room to grow.
Fortunately for Magic fans, Suggs has already made it clear that he wants to go nowhere. Additionally, Suggs is ready to assume an even larger role during the 2024-25 season.
“It’s something that I’ve wanted from the day I’ve stepped into this league,” Suggs said. “I wasn’t prepared for it [before]. I wasn’t ready for it. God knew that and He slowed me down through injuries, bad times, and trials, and really tested my resolve and how badly I wanted to be here. And I want to be here,” he added. “I don’t want to be anywhere else.”
As he prepares for his fourth NBA season, Suggs may be in line for the best campaign of his career. Given that Orlando is in a good spot to head back to the playoffs once again, he and the team have a great opportunity to surprise a lot of people and make some noise next season.
