Former First Round Center Re-Signs with Magic
After finding success during the 2023-2024 NBA season, the Magic did what they had to during the off-season to keep the same success, like re-signing center Moritz Wagner, re-signing Moritz’s brother, Franz Wagner, to the max rookie extension, and signing two-time NBA champion Kentavious Caldwell-Pope. Yet, this season, the team dealt with injuries to their star, Paolo Banchero, which affected the team's play. Orlando finished seventh in the Eastern Conference and was eliminated by the Boston Celtics in five games during the first round of the NBA Playoffs. As the former first-round pick entered back into free agency, it was announced byShams Charania that Mortiz re-signed with the Magic for a one-year, five-million-dollar deal.
The Los Angeles Lakers selected Moritz Wagner with the 25th overall pick during the 2018 NBA Draft. He played just two seasons with the Lakers before being traded to the Washington Wizards. On November 15th, 2019, Wagner became the first NBA player since Yao Ming in 2002 to score 30 points and grab 15 rebounds coming off the bench. Wagner became the first player since Len Chappell in 1967 to achieve this feat under 26 minutes of playing time. During the 2021 season, the former first-round pick was traded to the Boston Celtics and played just nine games with the team before being waived. After being put on waivers, Wagner signed with the Orlando Magic and has been with the team since.
This past season, Wagner played just 30 games. On December 21st, during a matchup with the Miami Heat, the former first-round pick suffered a season-ending ACL tear. This was a huge disappointment for the Magic and the big man, as Wagner was averaging the highest points per game of his career. In 19 minutes a game, the 28-year-old center averaged 13 points, five rebounds, an assist, and a steal a game. On December 15th, during a 100-91 loss to the New York Knicks, Wagner dropped 32 points along with recording six rebounds, an assist, and two steals. After his devastating ACL tear, the former first-round pick looks to be a huge asset once again for the Magic.
