Clip Reveals Paolo Banchero's Reaction to Jalen Suggs' Contract Extension in Real-Time

Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero is the subject of a player diary documentary with Andscape this season, and the cameras were rolling when news of his teammate Jalen Suggs' contract extension broke.

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs (4) and forward Paolo Banchero (5) celebrate defeating the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Orlando Magic guard Jalen Suggs was the man of the hour on Monday afternoon.

It was shortly after 4:30 in the afternoon when news of his contract extension with the Magic, reportedly worth $150.5 million over five years. Congratulations began pouring in from Suggs' Orlando teammates as he began coming to grips with his new reality.

All-Star forward Paolo Banchero had a reaction too, but couldn't do so on social media right away. He's the subject of a documentary-style player diary with Andscape this season, and cameras were rolling when the alert came across everyone's phones. It was Marc Spears who broke the news to Banchero, who displayed his true, raw reaction to the moment.

Spears posted the clip as a preview of the entire piece on social media Wednesday ahead of the Magic's first game versus Miami.

It's evident initial shock washes over his face as he hears the news before asking if it's true.

Sneak preview of Paolo Banchero Diary in ⁦@andscape⁩. The moment when the Magic star learned that his teammate Jalen Suggs landed a five-year, $150 million contract extension. Diary debuts Friday. ⁦@ShamsCharania⁩ pic.twitter.com/Z5aOexM0b3

— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) October 23, 2024

"Did he? George [Galante, VP of Comms and Alumni Relations with the Magic], is that true?... Wow. Wow," Banchero said as a smile replaced his shock. "Congrats, my dog– I gotta call him.

"I know he was – man, I'm so happy for him, man. I'm so happy... That's life-changing stuff right there. Just for him to get that relief and that monkey off his back, and now just be able to go out here, lock in and play. On top of that, that's life-changing, man. Congrats to him and his family. I've known Jalen since high school, coming up playing basketball and going to camps.

"Just to see his journey and all that, to know his family a little bit, I'm happy for him for sure."

The entire piece on Banchero is set to release on Friday, Spears said.

Related Stories on the Orlando Magic

• MAGIC-HEAT POINT SPREAD: The Orlando Magic open the 2024-25 NBA regular season on Wednesday night in Miami. They are a slight underdog to the Heat. Here's the latest on the point spread, with a great history vs. the line for both teams. CLICK HERE
• MAGIC-HEAT PREVIEW: Here is a breakdown of the season opener between the Magic and Heat, plus all the information on how to watch the game. CLICK HERE
• SUGGS DISCUSSES CONTRACT EXTENSION, MAGIC'S OPENER AT MIAMI: Watch Jalen Suggs' full media availability from Tuesday's practice. CLICK HERE
• 'I LOVE YOU 407': Jalen Suggs and his Magic teammates took to social media to react to his new contract extension with the Magic on Monday. CLICK HERE
• ORLANDO PUTS MONEY WHERE ITS MOUTH IS: The Orlando Magic's $150.5 million bet on Jalen Suggs is the team's latest investment in roster continuity. CLICK HERE

Want more Orlando Magic coverage on Sports Illustrated?

Follow 'Orlando Magic on SI' on Facebook and like our page. Follow Magic beat reporter Mason Williams on Twitter/X @mvsonwilliams. Also, bookmark our homepage so you never miss a story.