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Magic Set Winning as the Standard for Banchero as Contention Push Begins

Team leadership ties evaluations to results after a spending surge, highlighted by the Desmond Bane trade.

Orlando Magic forwards Franz Wagner, left, and Paolo Banchero (5) are pictured during Orlando Magic Media Day at the AdeventHealth Training Center on Monday, Sept. 29, 2025. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel)
Apr 20, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) controls the ball while Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) defends during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images
Sep 29, 2025; Orlando, FL, USA; Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) poses for a picture during Magic-Media Day at AdventHealth Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images

Overview

  • At media day on Sept. 29, team president Jeff Weltman said Paolo Banchero and the roster will be judged primarily on winning.
  • Orlando traded for Desmond Bane this summer to add elite three-point shooting and postseason experience to its core.
  • The franchise cemented long-term commitments with a five-year, $239 million max extension for Banchero that can reach $287 million, plus deals for Franz Wagner and Jalen Suggs.
  • Banchero has emerged as the centerpiece after back-to-back playoff trips, including a 29.4-point scoring average in last season’s series against Boston.
  • The Magic open the 2025–26 season at the KIA Center on Oct. 22 against the Miami Heat.