According to Brian Windhorst of ESPN, the Orlando Magic “have not yet been willing” to pay Anthony Black a contract worth an average of $22 million per year, the same deal Brandin Podziemski, also in the 2023 draft class, signed relatively recently. What a massive fumble this would be by the Magic’s front office, as Black played a crucial role in Orlando making a playoff appearance in the Eastern Conference and almost entering the second round.
With Black a restricted free agent next summer, the LA Clippers must capitalize on the mistake the Magic are trending toward. They'll have some of the most cap space in the league, and using a chunk of it to secure the former sixth overall pick would do wonders for their future, which isn’t too bright right now.
Anthony Black would transform the potential of the LA Clippers’ future
If the LA Clippers’ front office lands Anthony Black in restricted free agency next summer, they'd get a six-foot-seven, 200-pound point guard in his early 20s who had a breakout season in 2025-26.
In 64 games, Black averaged 15.0 points, 3.8 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.4 steals, shooting 44.7% from the field and 33.3% from beyond the arc.
Beyond scoring and doing a solid job crashing the glass and serving as a secondary playmaker, Black is a pest on defense. He thrives at the point of attack on the perimeter and is more than capable of fighting through screens, making timely steals, and switching when needed.
Black averaged 3.0 deflections per game last season, ahead of many defensive specialists like Keon Ellis, OG Anunoby, Amen Thompson, and Derrick White.
Think about it: As impressive as he was on both sides of the ball, Black logged them in just his third professional season. Just imagine how much more he could produce as the years go by, in the right developmental system, with the ball in his hands more. The possibilities are truly endless, especially given his frame.
With the Clippers, in particular, a team with little proven talent under 25, adding Black helps significantly. Thus, with all of their might, the front office needs to pursue the former Arkansas Razorback next summer.
If $22 million beats the Magic and other offers on the table, the Clippers should give it to the young guard; if it’s more, within reason, they shouldn’t hesitate to send that number his way.
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