The team did not reach an agreement on an extension with Black<\/a>, according to Jason Beede of the Orlando Sentinel, leaving him open to potential restricted free agency during the summer.<\/p>\n It does not mean that Black will not return to the Magic beyond this season. Orlando would retain the right to match any contract he is offered after presenting him a qualifying offer. But it is the first time the Magic have faced a stiff financial reality.<\/p>\n This is an expensive team. A team that is just below the second apron and set to remain expensive moving forward.<\/p>\n The Magic kept their roster mostly the same this offseason. But they did so knowing full well that the team cannot keep spending this much. Certainly not on a team that is not advancing deeper into the Playoffs.<\/p>\n Black not receiving a contract extension<\/a> is a clear sign of the reality the Magic are openly admitting.<\/p>\n “When you get to the playoffs, margins are everything, and they go from here to here,” Weltman said during media day, demonstrating how narrow the margins get in the playoffs. “Obviously, you are well aware, we are going to have to make some changes. This team will not be able to maintain this level of continuity next season. How that looks? I don’t know. We’re all going to find out together.”<\/p>\n The Magic need Black. A separation is not imminent. But the team’s margin for error has decreased dramatically. The team needs to see results.<\/p>\n But one way or another, the Magic are primed to be a team that the league is looking at for some change. It is already being speculated about openly. And the Magic are acknowledging that this is on the horizon one way or another.<\/p>\n This is a big season for the Magic. Everyone can feel that this is the last chance. Change is coming one way or another.<\/p>\n It starts with this decision on Black.<\/p>\n Black was the first cost<\/p>\n That started with the decision not to extend Anthony Black. Perhaps even in the way the Orlando Magic went about their negotiations.<\/p>\n It has been widely reported by Jake Fischer of The Stein Line that the Magic and Black never engaged meaningfully in contract negotiations<\/a>. It is not clear exactly where negotiations stood.<\/p>\n The reports were at least a signal that the Magic were aware of this dance they were doing around the apron. It suggested the Magic did not want to commit more money long-term without first seeing where this team was at.<\/p>\n Black was worthy of an extension. He had a true breakout season last year, averaging 15.0 points per game and carrying the team through some rough spots in December. He is expected to contribute much of the same as a sixth man this season.<\/p>\n If Black hits restricted free agency, the Magic would still have the right to match any offers he receives. That proved to be a huge weapon this summer for several key restricted free agents. They can still agree to a new deal when the offseason begins.<\/p>\n But Black still has plenty of questions to answer on the court. The Magic were not crazy to ask for a confirmation season after he struggled to break out in his first two seasons.<\/p>\n
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