What is Cole Anthony's contract with Magic? Closer look as Guard agrees to multi-year extension

Cole Anthony has agreed to a three-year, $39 million deal with the Orlando Magic, according to ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski. The 23-year-old guard will be returning to a team loaded with other guards.

Anthony was due to become a restricted free agent in 2024. His extension ties him as the Magic's backup guard of the future. He was a starter in just four games in 2022-2023, averaging 25.9 minutes per game. Reports in the offseason indicated the Magic would try to hold on to the young guard who had no qualms about playing any role the team asked of him.

"I’m excited to see the hype, not just for me, but the team, building up going into the season," Anthony told the Orlando Sentinel. "This is home for me now, so I’m happy to see all of this love.”

Anthony impressed when he led Orlando in scoring and minutes in only his second season. Coming into last season, Anthony was tasked with the role of the sixth man. Anthony accepted his role and ran with it. Anthony averaged 13.0 points and 4.8 rebounds per game while shooting 36.4% from the 3-point line.

Orlando Magic looking to take another step

Offering Cole Anthony an extension is another move in the right direction for the Orlando Magic. The team is all primed to take a major step forward in the 2023 -2024 season.

The team has a trio of potential all-stars in Jalen Suggs, Franz Wagner and Paolo Banchero. Orlando has also continued to make crucial additions, snatching Wendell Carter in the Nikola Vucevic trade and reviving Markelle Fultz. Orlando has a solid core for the future.

Orlando approaches the new season with a heightened sense of urgency. While the Magic are not a legitimate contender in many fans' books, they'll be looking for their young team to start winning more games after going 34-48 last season, improving by 12 wins from 2021-22.

Cole Anthony is expected to play a vital part in setting a winning tone. He has already shown he can put up buckets coming off the bench. He can now continue focusing on improving his game with a new contract running through the 2026-27 season.