BREAKING: Magic Re-Signs 'Super Smart Player' Moe Wagner
The Orlando Magic is bringing back a familiar face.
According to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski, the Magic is signing Moe Wagner to a two-year deal worth $16 million.
This time last year, the question was where Wagner's fit was in the Orlando Magic frontcourt. Now, he's set to be here for two more years.
The deal should make reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero very happy.
“He brings a little bit of everything,” Banchero said. “He’s a lot more skilled than people realize. He’s a super smart player. Him and his brother [Franz Wagner] are very smart and cerebral. They have very good awareness of what’s going on in the game. Not just what they’re doing, what their man is doing. They know what’s going on with your man and what they see you doing. They’re just very aware. Having him on the court, it’s a big help.”
After missing the first 18 games of last season, Wagner made an immediate impact returning from injury - starting all 14 games in December and averaging 13.9 points, 6.9 rebounds and 27 minutes on .515/.348/.913 shooting splits.
However, it wasn't just in the box score where the ex-Michigan center made his presence felt. Among Magic players who logged at least 1,100 minutes last season, Wagner tied for the team-lead in ORTG (122) per 100 possessions, along with ranking third in Offensive Win Share rate - only trailing his brother Franz and Banchero.
“He plays with an unlimited amount of energy and he’s just out there yelling, getting on the ground, frustrating the other team — just all the little things you have to have,” Banchero said. “You have to have a player like that who’s bringing that energy and has that intensity no matter what.”
Orlando is now set with 15 players on the roster, likely marking the end of its free agency haul.
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