The Orlando Magic are officially all-in on their All-Star forward, Paolo Banchero, signing him to a hefty five-year rookie max extension reportedly worth up to $287 million if he hits all incentives. Clearly, the Magic aren't just planning for the future—they’re making their championship aspirations known right now.
Remember those early Dwight Howard days when Orlando could compete with anyone on any night? Well, the Magic want that excitement back, and they're banking on Banchero to lead the charge. And honestly, it makes sense. Since going first overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, Banchero has done nothing but impress. After a standout season at Duke, he quickly earned Rookie of the Year honors, averaging 20 points and 6.9 rebounds per game.
He didn't slow down his sophomore season either, bumping his scoring average up to 22.6 points per game. By the 2024-25 season, Banchero exploded into full-fledged star status with averages of 25.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and nearly 5 assists a night, earning his first All-Star selection along the way.
Orlando’s playoff history hasn't exactly been smooth sailing recently, but they're trending up again. After a long playoff drought and a couple of quick first-round exits, they captured the Southeast division last season with a 41-41 record. With teams like Boston, Indiana, and New York experiencing roster shake-ups, Orlando sees a golden opportunity. Pairing Banchero with Franz Wagner and newly-acquired sharpshooter Desmond Bane (who cost them five future first-round picks), the Magic clearly believe their time to contend is now.
How’s Banchero’s Card Market Responding?
Being part of a smaller-market franchise like Orlando typically keeps card prices fairly reasonable. Collectors looking for affordable entry-level options can grab base cards like his 2023-24 Panini Select Retail Blue for just about a dollar. Even Banchero’s 2022 Panini Contenders rookie (featuring him in a Duke uniform) recently went for just $1.59 on eBay.But for those chasing bigger hits, his higher-end cards have started climbing significantly. A 2022-23 Panini Obsidian Rookie Eruption Auto (#/75) is approaching the $200 range. Meanwhile, the premium 2022 Panini Prizm Penmanship Purple Ice Autograph (#/99) ranges anywhere from $200 (Near Mint) up to around $500 (Mint condition), according to the Beckett Price Guide.
With Banchero officially locked in for the long haul and Orlando positioning itself as a legitimate playoff threat, collectors might want to jump on his cards soon—before the prices start reflecting a deep postseason run.