Anthony Black Enters Final Year of Rookie Contract
The Orlando Magic guard remains on his rookie deal after no contract extension was reached by the league deadline.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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Orlando Magic guard Anthony Black has become eligible for restricted free agency in 2027 after failing to sign a contract extension by the October 19 deadline. The former sixth overall draft pick will now play out the final year of his initial rookie-scale contract.
Why it matters
Extensions for first-round picks are often negotiated before their fourth season, and failing to reach an agreement allows a player to test the open market as a restricted free agent next summer. This path provides Orlando with the right to match any offer sheet Black signs with another team.
Black was selected 6th overall in the 2023 NBA Draft after his collegiate tenure with the Arkansas Razorbacks. He has shown statistical growth, increasing his scoring from 4.6 to 15 points per game and his assists from 1.3 to 3.7 per game.
The players
Anthony Black
He is an NBA player for the Orlando Magic who was selected sixth overall in the 2023 NBA Draft.
Orlando Magic
This is a professional basketball team based in Orlando that competes in the NBA's Eastern Conference.
Jordan Walsh
He is an NBA player for the Boston Celtics who signed a $15 million extension in 2026.
Nick Smith Jr.
He is a professional basketball player who signed with the Spanish club Real Madrid in 2026.
The details
First-round NBA draft picks become eligible for extensions following their third season. While teams often secure their young talent early, Black will now head into his fourth season without a new deal, joining other 2023 draft class peers who have pursued different career paths this year.
Timeline
2022-23: Anthony Black played for the Arkansas Razorbacks.
2023: Anthony Black was selected in the NBA Draft.
July 2026: Jordan Walsh signed an extension with the Boston Celtics.
September 2026: Nick Smith Jr. signed a contract with Real Madrid.
October 19, 2026: Contract extension deadline for first-round picks passed.
Season Trajectory
This development places pressure on the Orlando Magic to evaluate Black's long-term fit during the upcoming season. His performance in this final rookie contract year will determine the scope of his restricted free agency and the team's willingness to match potential external offer sheets.
The failure to extend the contract means Orlando retains the right to match any offer Black receives in 2027 restricted free agency. This dynamic establishes the upcoming season as a critical proving ground for his future rotation role and subsequent contract value.
The takeaway
Players who do not sign extensions often view the subsequent season as a crucial opportunity to increase their market value before free agency. Teams must balance salary cap considerations with the potential for young players to break out during their fourth year.
Further reading
For more on local team developments, visit the Orlando Basketball page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Home Page.
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