New NBA Trade Rumors on Anthony Black's Potential Availability amid Magic Contract Talks

Going into the 2026-27 season with a new head coach, the Orlando Magic are at a something of a crossroads as they try to compete at a high level with an already-expensive roster.

Per ESPN's Brian Windhorst , Anthony Black is being viewed by opposing teams as a potential trade candidate going into the final season of his rookie deal if the Magic can't work out a long-term extension before Monday's deadline.

However, one Eastern Conference executive told Windhorst the odds of Black getting traded right now are likely low due to a variety of factors.

"I don't think they trade him now even if they don't get a deal," the exec said. "They are under pressure to win this season because of that payroll, and they need him because of Suggs' injury issues."

Windhorst cited Brandin Podziemski's five-year, $110 million extension with the Golden State Warriors as a potential comparison for Black, but noted the Magic have "not yet been willing" to make an offer that would pay Black around $22 million annually.

Orlando is in a difficult financial spot right now with Franz Wagner, Paolo Banchero and Desmond Bane all set to make more than $40 million starting with the 2027-28 season. Jalen Suggs and Wendell Carter will combine to make roughly $49 million, as well.

The only other player under contract to the Magic going into next season is Noah Penda. Tristan Da Silva and Jase Richardson have team options on their rookie contracts.

The Bane trade from June 2025 with the Memphis Grizzlies has left Orlando with just one first-round pick between 2027 to '30.

Black significantly increased his value with a breakout 2025-26 season when he appeared in 64 games, including a career-high 40 starts. The 22-year-old averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds and 3.7 assists per contest.

Following a first-round playoff loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Magic fired head coach Jamahl Mosley and replaced him with Sean Sweeney.

One of the issues the Magic had last season was injuries. Wagner only appeared in 34 games during the regular season. Suggs has played 92 games over the past two seasons.

If the Magic can get full seasons from Wagner and Suggs, along with continued growth from Black, the pieces are in place for this team to be very good in a deep Eastern Conference.

If things go wrong, though, Magic president of basketball operations Jeff Weltman might have some tough decisions to make around the trade deadline because of how limited their flexibility is due to the money on their books and lack of draft capital.