All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball One-And-Done Secures Eight-Figure Contract Extension

UNC basketball's Cole Anthony is signing a deal to remain in the Magic backcourt over the long haul.

Matt Giles

UNC basketball guard Cole Anthony (Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports)
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Orlando Magic guard and former UNC basketball star Cole Anthony has agreed to a three-year, $39 million contract extension, ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported on Monday afternoon.

Across his first three seasons in the league, Anthony totaled $10.3 million. This season, he's on tap to rake in $5.5 million.

He would've become a restricted free agent at this season's end, but the 2019-20 All-ACC performer is now signed through 2026-27.

Anthony, who went No. 15 overall to the Magic at the 2020 NBA Draft following the former top-five recruit's one-and-done UNC basketball campaign, has averaged 14.2 points, 5.0 rebounds, and 4.6 assists per game as a pro. He's played in 172 NBA games, shooting 41.1 percent from the field, 34.5 percent from three, and 86.1 percent at the line.

As ESPN's Tim Bontemps noted, Anthony is one of several young talents that the franchise is building and growing around:

"He's part of a burgeoning core in Orlando that includes reigning Rookie of the Year Paolo Banchero, Franz Wagner...center Wendell Carter Jr., guards Jalen Suggs and Markelle Fultz, and a pair of lottery picks from this year's draft, guards Anthony Black and Jett Howard."

Cole Anthony, the son of former 11-year NBA point guard Greg Anthony, and the Magic tip off their 2023-24 regular season with a home game against the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m. ET Wednesday.

The 23-year-old Anthony is the only former Tar Heel on the Magic roster.

Orlando finished with a 34-48 record last season and 13th in the Eastern Conference standings but went 29-28 following a 5-20 opening stretch.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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